The Myths and Realties of Earning Scholarships for Music

Pursuing a degree in music is a passion for many students, yet financial concerns often accompany this decision. I hear OFTEN from parents about how they don’t want their student to go to school for music because they can’t get any scholarships. This is not true at all, and many schools offer talent scholarships as well as academic scholarships.

Scholarships can significantly ease the burden of tuition and other college expenses. Unfortunately, these pervasive myths about scholarships for music majors can deter students from applying, even if it’s exactly what they want to be studying in college. Today, we’re debunking these myths and providing practical tips on finding scholarships for music majors.

Myth 1: Only Ultra-Talented Students Get Music Scholarships

Reality: While being a prodigy can certainly help, scholarships are available for a wide range of skill levels and specializations within music. Many scholarships are awarded based on potential, dedication, and passion for music rather than just innate talent. (If you are already the best/at a professional level at your instrument, then what’s college for?) Schools and organizations recognize that talent can be developed over time with the right support and resources. (Again, this goes back to finding the best FIT over a “name brand” school that might not be a great fit.)

TIP: Get a sample lesson with the faculty who teaches your voice or instrument at the schools you’re interested in. These faculty will be the ones to advocate for you in the admission and scholarshipping process, so be sure to build a strong relationship with them early on.

Myth 2: Music Scholarships Are Only for Classical Musicians

Reality: Music scholarships are available for various genres, including jazz, pop, rock, and even electronic music. Scholarships cater to different musical interests and backgrounds, reflecting the diverse landscape of the music industry. Whether you’re a classical pianist, a jazz saxophonist, a composer, or a rock guitarist, there are scholarships tailored to your specific genre and talents.

Myth 3: You Have to Attend a Conservatory to Get a Scholarship

Reality: While conservatories do offer scholarships, many universities, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges also provide substantial financial aid for music students. These institutions often have strong music programs and can offer a well-rounded education. Don’t limit your search to conservatories or name-brand schools; explore all types of institutions that might support your musical journey.

TIP: Many schools will offer scholarships to non-music majors as well! This is great if you want to keep performing and making music at a high level in college, but don’t necessarily want to major in music. These scholarships may come in the form of free private lessons, a traditional scholarship, or extra money to perform in one or more ensembles. Ask admissions counselors if their schools offer opportunities like these. Knox College, a small liberal arts college in Illinois, does just that for all of their fine arts areas. (Bonus points if you play an instrument that’s always needed in college ensembles: violas, double basses, bassoons, oboes, and French horns are almost always in high demand.)

Myth 4: Music Scholarships won’t cover all college expenses

Reality: This one is partially true as full-ride scholarships for any student are extremely rare these days. Hardly any schools offer scholarships that will cover all of your college expenses. However, some schools will stack music scholarships and academic scholarships on top of each other, giving you a solid financial aid package. Again, check with the admissions counselors at the schools you’re interested in to clarify scholarship structure–every school approaches this differently.

Myth 5: It’s Too Hard to Find Music Scholarships

Reality: While finding scholarships requires effort, it's not an insurmountable task. Numerous resources are available to help students locate scholarships. School counselors/independent counselors, music teachers, and online databases are excellent starting points. Persistence and proactive searching can yield fruitful results.

How to Find Scholarships for Music Majors

1. Start Early

Begin your scholarship search early in your high school career. Many scholarships have deadlines well before college application deadlines, so it’s crucial to plan ahead. Some of the more prestigious scholarships for music will require a few rounds of auditions, and then if you win, you’ll perform with a professional orchestra or ensemble. The Glenn Miller Music Scholarship Competition is a great example of this.

2. Utilize Online Databases

Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Appily (formerly Cappex) offer comprehensive lists of scholarships. You can filter your search based on your specific criteria, such as major, location, and financial need. 

TIP: You should NEVER have to pay to get access to scholarships online. Beware of scholarship scams!

3. Check with Your School

High school counselors and music teachers can be valuable resources. They often have information about local scholarships offered by non-profit organizations and businesses, and can provide guidance on the application process. If you live in the Fox Cities or Door County areas of Wisconsin, the Miller Family Music Education Scholarship is a KILLER opportunity - up to $25,000 per year!

4. Research Colleges and Universities

Most colleges and universities with music programs offer scholarships specifically for music majors. Visit the websites of the schools you’re interested in and explore their financial aid pages for information on music scholarships. Keep in mind, the VAST majority of all the scholarships you will earn will come from the school directly.

5. Join Professional Organizations

Organizations like the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) may offer scholarships to their members. Joining these organizations can provide access to exclusive scholarship opportunities and networking resources. Plus, these are amazing professional development groups to help you learn more about these careers.

6. Network with Fellow Musicians

This is a big one for a few different reasons. Networking with peers, teachers, and professionals in the music industry can lead to scholarship opportunities. They might know of scholarships that aren’t widely advertised and can offer valuable advice on the application process. In addition, learning HOW to network is an invaluable skill for any musician. (As many of my students are learning, success may depend a lot on who you know.)

Earning a scholarship as a music major is more accessible than many students realize. Remember, the key to securing scholarships is persistence, early planning, and a proactive approach. Keep practicing, stay dedicated, and don’t let myths deter you from achieving your dreams in music.

Stressed about starting your college search and funding it? Let’s chat to come up with a college game plan that works for you. Our first 30-minute session is always free.