Composition Contests/Scholarships

February 20, 2006

Hi. I'm relatively new to this site (although I've been lurking for some time now) and I'm 16 years old. This means that college is only two years away. Unfortunately, I've never really thought about where I'm going to go and how I'm going to get there until recently and I'm afraid if I don't act fast, I might be too late to get somewhere worthwhile!

You see, my family's not very rich and we're strapped for cash. I want to major in music, but in order to get anywhere you need to get a good education and I don't have that kind of money! If I'm going to go somewhere, it needs to be free.

I figured the best bet for scholarships I have would be composition scholarships and music scholarships. What are some scholarships I could apply too?

Thanks in advance.

February 21, 2006

It's definitely a good idea for you to start your college search now. I think you're a junior because of your age.

Firstly, there aren't many "scholarships" for composition, but there are many paying competitions that could become your savings for college. You should look for more playing scholarship opportunites. There's a thread on here that lists a few composition contests, but if you google it, you should find quite a bit more (Just be sure you look at the deadlines before you get excited :D )

A few I know of:

BMI John Lennon Songwriting Competition

This ones really more for those who write pop songs, but priced at a $10,000 package, it's impossible to just turn away so quickly.

http://www.menc.org/networks/collegiate/bmirules.html

(Be wary, this only allows it to be used for certain schools. Most state schools are out.)

Morton Gould Competition

You might be a bit late for this one (I wanted to enter it too, but I didn't learn about it fast enough.) Any concert work is eligible. The money for this must be used to further your studies in music, which, in your case would be attending college.

http://www.ascapfoundation.org/gould-info.html

Lotte Lehmann Foundation Art Song Competition

You might keep your eyes on this one to see if it re-starts. You have to compose an art song, but I'm not sure about the other requirements.

http://www.lottelehmann.org/llf/programs/ascapllf/

Left Coast Chamber Ensemble's Ninth Annual

Composition Contest

An interesting looking chamber composition. It only pays $600, but every cent counts! Plus, you get a performance!

http://www.chambermusicpartn.org/contest.htm

Merle J. Isaac Composition Contest

$25 bucks to enter, but an orchestral piece for young students. It's a little close, but, again, you still have another year to get ready for college.

https://web55.mysecureserver.com/astawebcom...rings/merle.htm

Also keep an eye on the Enescu Competition, it seems like it's pretty prestigious.

Secondly, do you live in America? If so, the FAFSA should be your best friend. Also, look for schools that are interested in getting your instrument. They will usually have some money set away for scholarships for that particular instrument (That's one of the factors that my brother took into consideration when he applied to the school he now attends.) And never forget the other little scholarships you can find on FastWeb! They are definitely worth your time.

Good luck with your college search! Hope it goes well!