Perspective college music students may find scholarships and awards through various organizations such as state and national music teacher organizations or private groups that support the arts.
The National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts, for example, contacts every high school in the United States every year in search of the year's most talented artists. Since 1981, the foundation has awarded more than $80 million in scholarships and has gifted more than $6 million in awards.
National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts
nfaa.org
The Young Musicians Foundation each year offers more than $40,000 in scholarships to 40 musicians. The recipients are selected after 4 days of auditions. Instrumentalists may compete up until their senior year of high school, and vocalists may compete up until the age of 25. Most recently, scholarships awarded ranged from $250 to $3,500.
Young Musicians Foundation
ymf.org
Additionally, some states have college foundations with funds coming from lottery proceeds or other sources. Those states, such as North Carolina, offer scholarships and grants to help students pay for college. Also, the U.S. Department of Education offers tips and information on financial aid, scholarships and grants.
U.S. Department of Education
ed.gov
No matter how great the competition, a student who has special talents and unique abilities, combined with the appropriate and necessary background, can realize his goal to gain acceptance at a good music school. The Juilliard School in New York City, for instance, now offers more than 400 scholarships and prizes. Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University also offers talent awards. The awards are based on the results of an audition as well as the conservatory's needs. In short, a student should pick his favorite schools and work to get an audition.
Colleges and universities throughout the United States have music schools, and they often offer scholarships and awards to students who perform well in auditions and fit in with the schools' current needs. Students should research the schools of their choice, and contact the music schools for an audition and to learn about audition requirements.