Hampton University, a college in southeastern Virginia, offers numerous grants to defray the costs of education for accepted music students. The university requires applicants not already attending the school to complete the ordinary admissions process as well as a musical audition and special scholarship application.
The amount and number of scholarships awarded varies each year and are not intended to cover the full costs of a Hampton University musical education. College students of all levels may be approved for the Department of Music Scholarship Award, Band Scholarship or the R. Nathaniel Dett Music Scholarship. College sophomores and juniors with at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated musical talent may receive an Irene S. Cooper grant. The Rufus B. and Evelyn Easter Music Scholarship is also offered to those who demonstrate financial need as well as musical promise.
Hampton University
Hampton, VA 23668
(757) 727-5000
hamptonu.edu
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) offers more than a dozen awards programs, including college grants geared toward music students. The programs are slated to aid those pursuing careers in musical composition. The amount and number of scholarships awarded depends on the specific program sponsor and may vary each year; some college awards reach $5,000. Specific member schools also offer scholarships through the ASCAP, including the University of California, Los Angeles and Queens College in New York.
The ASCAP Foundation
One Lincoln Plaza
New York, NY 10023-7142
Berklee College of Music, located in Boston, offers more than $20 million in scholarships and grants to entering and returning students. Members of the Berklee staff also travel to numerous U.S. cities and foreign countries each year as part of the "World Scholarship Tour." The college representatives' aim is to find talented musicians and offer some of them scholarships to study at Berklee.
One grant opportunity for which entering students may directly apply is the Presidential Scholarship. This award covers the cost of four years of Berklee College tuition as well as room and board. To receive the grant after the first year, the student must have made acceptable academic progress. The Presidential Scholarship is geared toward graduating high school seniors who demonstrate not only musical talent, but also financial need.
Berklee College of Music
1140 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 266-1400
berklee.edu