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Scholarships
Top music scholarships
Find scholarships for music that can help you pay for college.
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Music scholarships
University of Nebraska at Kearney Department of Music and Performing Arts-Music Scholarships
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Department of Music and Performing Arts-Music Scholarships are open to students admitted into the Department of Music and Performing Arts as a music major or minor. Students are required to audition. Those who are successful with their audition may be considered for music scholarships. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information about the available scholarships, audition requirements, and application process.
Berklee College of Music Thrive Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Berklee College of Music Thrive Scholarship is available to continuing undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, and are on track to graduate on time. Continuing undergraduate Boston campus students should ensure they have a CSS Profile on file to be considered for the Thrive Scholarship. Boston Conservatory domestic students should have a FAFSA on file. Students who are selected to receive the scholarship will be notified via email in the early summer months. Eligible students meeting the Thrive Scholarship criteria are automatically considered for the scholarship. No application is necessary, and students do not need to request consideration. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Music Program - "Soli Deo Gloria" Scholarships
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
No Transcripts Required
$8,000
The Music Program - "Soli Deo Gloria" Scholarships are available to students majoring in music. Music minors and non-music majors are not eligible for this award. Applicants must complete an audition with music faculty (students must be accepted for admission to the University prior to scheduling their music audition). The last audition day to be consider for the scholarship is March 14, 2025. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information about the eligibility, criteria, application, and audition process.
Swing and Jazz Preservation Society General Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Swing and Jazz Preservation Society General Scholarship was established to provide general scholarship support to the Department of Music to help continue music education for talented music students with a preference to students participating in Jazz Studies. Please contact Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters - Department of Music for more information and inquiries about the application.
Alice Grove Hoffman Memorial Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Alice Grove Hoffman Memorial Scholarship is available to students in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences majoring Music. To apply for the competitive scholarships, students must first be admitted to UAH. The priority deadline for submission of the application is December 15, though applications received after this date will still be considered for any remaining awards after the initial selection process has been completed. Students may visit the scholarship's website or contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Hillsborough Community College Music Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No Recommendations Required
No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Hillsborough Community College Music Scholarship is available to students enrolled in a full slate of music courses, including theory/aural skills, lessons, and ensemble. Consideration is given to the student's overall contribution to the music department through performances, activity in the HCC Music Club, and general attitude and work ethic. Applicants must be enrolled for the term of disbursement. Incoming Freshman Students will be required to submit official school transcripts. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
H.C. Kersten Florida Grand Opera Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
No Transcripts Required
Varies
The H.C. Kersten Florida Grand Opera Scholarship was established in 1967 by the Ft. Lauderdale Opera Guild. The scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students studying any instrument. Preference is given to voice students from Broward County. Please contact Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters - Department of Music for more information and inquiries about the application.
Elon University Music Scholarships
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
No Transcripts Required
$9,000
The students who major in music education, music performance, music in the liberal arts, and music production and recording arts may be considered for merit-and-need-based scholarships based on audition, interview, and portfolio submission (for music production and recording arts). The Department of Music also awards one Odyssey Program scholarship every four years. In addition, athletic band and choral scholarships are available to music and non-music majors by audition in the fall of the first year. The music department provides opportunities for students to supplement their financial aid through employment, including keyboard lab staff, music technology lab staff, recording studio staff, music theory tutors, recital/event staff, and cultural programs staff. Please contact the Department of Music for more information and inquiries about the scholarship applications.
New Jersey City University Presidential Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
$44,000
The New Jersey City University Presidential Scholarship is open to incoming first-year students who normally have at least a 3.00 GPA and 1270 of higher SAT Critical Reading/Math or 26 or higher ACT composite score. This scholarship covers full-time in-state tuition and fees.
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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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