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Scholarships
Top music scholarships
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Music scholarships
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Fusco Music Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No essay
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,500
The Fusco Music Scholarship is open to talented incoming first-year and transfer student musicians. It is available to those committed to participate in Marist's music minor program and have demonstrated financial need. Incoming students may audition for instrumental or vocal scholarships prior to their admission to Marist University. This scholarship does not constitute an offer of admission to the university and is only available for incoming first-year and transfer students. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Gerald Bergquist Scholarship for R. A. Long High School
Due: 4/30/26
|No Recommendations Required
$4,000
The Gerald Bergquist Scholarship for R. A. Long High School is available to graduating seniors who have participated in the high school music program and plan to pursue a degree in music. Applicants must be a graduating senior from R.A. Long High School. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington award's website for more information.
Doctor Almo Sebastianelli Drum Corps Scholarship
Due: 5/1/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$500
The Doctor Almo Sebastianelli Drum Corps Scholarship is available to any high school senior who meets the following criteria: a child or grandchild of a Pennsylvania Legionnaire in good standing; or a child or grandchild of a deceased Pennsylvania Legionnaire. To be eligible, a student must be a member of a high school band who is going on to higher education majoring in music. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania for more information.
Deborah Griffin Collegiate Scholarship
Due: 5/2/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Deborah Griffin Collegiate Scholarship supports music majors from Providence Public Schools who demonstrate exceptional talent and demonstrate financial need. It honors Griffin's passion for music and her commitment to education. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information or contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for more information.
Bicho Family Endowed Scholarship
Due: 5/6/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,085
The Bicho Family Endowed Scholarship has four awards, one in each concentration. Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Applicants must be either a keyboard player; a string player (violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, or harp); a brass, wind, or percussion player; or a vocalist. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information or contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for more information.
Hartford Jazz Society Scholarship
Due: 6/1/26
|No min. GPA Required
$3,000
In the greater Hartford region, there are a number of outstanding middle school, high school, and after school jazz programs that are helping to create our next generation of talented jazz musicians. In recognition of the diligence and talent of up-and-coming student jazz musicians, the Hartford Jazz Society offers annual merit scholarships to high school seniors who plan to attend college and major in music with an interest in jazz. Applicants must be residents of the Connecticut Capitol Region. They must also demonstrate notable talent as judged by the HJS scholarship committee. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, including one from a music teacher or school music director. Applicants must also submit a CD or USB thumb drive with recordings of them reading and improvising music; or links to online audio or video performances such as YouTube, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc. Musical performances should include two different jazz selections of contrasting styles, and can include solo performances, small group performances, or video excerpts from performances with a school jazz ensemble/combo, etc. Applications may be submitted through email or mail. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Delta Omicron Foundation Educational Grants in Music
Due: 6/1/26
|No Transcripts Required
$2,000
The Delta Omicron Foundation Grant Program provides financial assistance toward tuition for undergraduate and graduate college students who are members in good standing with the Delta Omicron Music Fraternity and who are pursuing a degree in music related fields: performance, music education, composition, music therapy, music business, or music history. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
NSHSS Performing Arts: Music Scholarship
Due: 10/27/26
$1,000
NSHSS has created the NSHSS Performing Arts: Music Scholarship for those interested in pursuing their studies in the performing arts. The top two performers will be awarded a scholarship to assist in continuing their art and sharing it with the world. Applicants must be NSHSS members graduating high school in 2025, 2026, 2027, or 2028. Applicants must submit an educator recommendation letter. Applicants must submit a video of their performance with a short description of their piece. The performance video must be no more than 5 minutes. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the National Society of High School Scholars for more information.
Charlotte Plummer Owen Scholarship
Due: 11/1/26
|No essay
|No min. GPA Required
Varies
The Charlotte Plummer Owen Scholarship, sponsored by Susan Bisiri, is given annually to students enrolled in an instrumental music program, with the intent of becoming a band director. The Women Band Directors International will award scholarships of various amounts designed to salute the people for whom they are named and to support young women presently preparing to be band directors. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Women Band Directors International for more information.
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Key takeaways about music scholarships
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Music scholarships aren’t just for music majors. Many are open to students who perform, create, teach, or lead through music.
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You can qualify through talent, academics, leadership, community service, or financial need.
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Auditions are common, but plenty of scholarships for music students don’t require one.
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Smaller awards can add up fast and help cover books, housing, travel, and lesson costs.
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Applying early and applying often is the simplest way to boost your odds.
Music scholarships can make paying for college a lot more manageable—especially if music is a big part of your life. Whether you play an instrument, sing in a choir, write songs, or plan to study music education or performance, there are scholarships for music students at every level.
This guide breaks down how music scholarships work, what counts as “music experience,” and how to put together a strong application without burning yourself out.
What are music scholarships?
Music scholarships are financial awards for students who show musical talent, involvement, or potential. Some focus on performance (like voice, piano, or band instruments), while others support composers, producers, and future music educators.
You can find music scholarships through colleges, nonprofits, community foundations, industry organizations, and scholarship platforms. Most scholarships are “free money for college,” which means you don’t pay them back.
Common types of music scholarships you’ll see
- College and conservatory awards: Offered by schools for admitted students, often tied to auditions.
- Talent and performance scholarships: Based on your playing or singing, sometimes with a recorded audition.
- Music education scholarships: For students planning to teach music in schools or communities.
- Composition and songwriting awards: For original work, portfolios, or project submissions.
- Community and service-based awards: For students who lead in music programs or give back through music.
Why scholarships matter for music students
Music can come with extra costs that other majors don’t always face. Instruments, repairs, reeds/strings, lessons, travel, camps, and audition fees can add up quickly.
Scholarships help cover those costs so you can keep improving and showing up to opportunities that matter. They also reward the time, discipline, and creativity you’ve built through music.
What music scholarships can help pay for
- Tuition and school fees
- Room and board
- Books and supplies
- Instrument purchase or maintenance
- Private lessons, workshops, or summer programs
- Travel for auditions, competitions, and performances
How to qualify for music scholarships
Every scholarship has its own rules, but most look for some mix of talent, commitment, and follow-through. You don’t need a perfect GPA to qualify for many music scholarships, but you do need to meet basic eligibility requirements.
What eligibility often includes
- Music participation: Including band, orchestra, choir, marching band, jazz ensemble, private lessons, gigs, or productions.
- Academic standing: A minimum GPA may be required, but not always.
- Leadership or service: Scholarships may look at your time as a section leader, student mentor, volunteer performer, or organizer.
- Financial need: Need-based scholarships usually require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
- Plans to study music: Proof of your intention to major in music may be required.
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What counts as "music experience"
- School-based performance groups and competitions
- Church, community, or regional ensembles
- Producing, composing, or arranging work
- Teaching younger students or volunteering through music
- Local performances, gigs, or original releases
Top scholarships for music students
There isn’t one perfect list for everyone—it depends on your instrument, goals, and background. The best strategy is applying to a mix of school awards, national scholarships, and quick-win opportunities you can enter consistently.
Start with scholarships you can apply for quickly, then work up to the ones that need recordings, portfolios, or essays. If you stay organized, you can build momentum fast.
Want a fast scholarship you can apply for in minutes? Check out our $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. No audition or recording is required, and you can enter every month.
How to apply for music scholarships
Applying for music scholarships is way easier when you treat it like a simple system. Gather your materials once, then reuse them across multiple applications.
Step-by-step: A solid application game plan
- Make a short scholarship list. Pick a mix of music-specific awards and general scholarships you qualify for.
- Build your “music resume.” Include ensembles, roles, years of study, performances, awards, and leadership.
- Prepare audition materials early. Choose pieces that show your strengths and follow the rules exactly.
- Ask for recommendations. Give teachers or directors at least 2–3 weeks, plus a summary of your goals.
- Track deadlines. Use a spreadsheet or calendar reminders so nothing sneaks up on you.
Tips for auditions and recordings
- Follow the scholarship instructions exactly, including time limits and required pieces.
- Record in a quiet space, and do a quick test run before the final take.
- Include what’s asked for, and don’t over-edit to the point it sounds unnatural.
- If you’re unsure, ask your director or instructor to review your selection.
Use scholarship tools to save time
If you want help finding scholarships that match your profile, start with Scholly Scholarships. You can also apply to several scholarships with just one simple application through Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships.
Still researching schools? Scout College Search can help you compare colleges and explore programs that fit your goals. And if you plan to apply for financial aid or need-based scholarships, use our FAFSA® Guide to understand how to apply and what to expect.
Additional resources for music students
If you're wondering what scholarships are available for music majors, don’t stop at music-only awards. These categories can unlock more options and may have less competition.
- Scholarships by major - Find scholarships tailored to your field of study, whether it’s music, arts, STEM, business, or education.
- Scholarships for high school seniors - Perfect if you're starting your college journey. Many deadlines fall during senior year, so be ready to apply.
- Scholarships for college students - Apply for scholarships throughout college to lower your education costs. New opportunities open up every year.
- Scholarships for first generation students - If you’re the first in your family to attend college, these scholarships are designed to support you.
- Scholarships for adults - Returning to school? These scholarships help adult learners fund their education.
- Scholarships for women - Empowering scholarships for women, including awards specifically for Black women.
- LGBTQ+ scholarships - Scholarships that support students navigating both racial and LGBTQ+ identities.
- Scholarships by state - Find scholarships offered by your state government, as well as local scholarships that usually have fewer applicants, increasing your chances.
A final note
Music scholarships can be a big deal for your college budget—whether music is your major or your passion. Apply early, apply often, and keep a simple tracking system so you don’t miss deadlines. Even small awards can help you stay in the music and stay on track.
Frequently asked questions
These tips can help as you get ready to apply for music scholarships.
When are scholarship application deadlines?
There’s no standard deadline for scholarship applications. Each scholarship has its own deadline, so be sure to keep track of dates and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines of scholarships that you want to apply to.
Do you need to know which college you’re attending?
You don’t need to know which college you’re going to attend before applying for most scholarships. However, once you’re awarded scholarships, some of them may ask for eligibility verification—which can include proof of college enrollment.
Is there a limit on how many scholarships you can apply for?
Absolutely not, so apply for as many as you can to increase your chances of winning free money. Want to find more types of scholarships? There are so many, check them out!
Pro tip: Apply for scholarships each year you’re in college.
Does every scholarship application require an essay?
Not every scholarship will ask you to submit an essay—different scholarships have different requirements. If you’re applying for a scholarship with an essay and need help writing yours, get tips for writing scholarship essays.
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