Financial aid is a complicated, confusing, and often anxiety-producing topic for many students and families. No less so for music students. Here’s a succinct guide to help you get started and wade through the alphabet soup of acronyms you’ll need to understand.

FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
By filling out the free FAFSA application, you’re eligible for federal student aid programs offered by the U.S. Department of Education. Some states and colleges also use it to determine your eligibility for financial assistance.

*Note: FAFSA can now be filed starting October 1. Income and tax information from an earlier tax year are also now required.

EFC – Expected Family Contribution
The information on your FAFSA is used to calculate your EFC. Your EFC is based on the family’s taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits.

Here’s how the College Board explains it:

“Colleges subtract your EFC from the total cost of attending their institution for one year. The total cost — which includes tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation costs — minus your EFC is how much financial aid they estimate you’ll need to attend the college.”

CSS Profile – College Scholarship Service Profile
This is an online form, administered by College Board. Approximately 300 colleges, universities and scholarship programs require it to determine eligibility for non-government financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships.

Federal Pell Grants
Usually limited to undergraduate students demonstrating financial need.

Federal Perkins Loan
Offered by schools of higher education to students demonstrating financial need. For undergraduate AND graduate students.

Considerations

1. “To apply for federal financial aid, such as Pell grants or loans, families must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Some states and schools also use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for their own scholarships and grants.” – NerdWallet,Inc.

2. Most college/conservatory admission directors and financial aid officers will encourage ALL families to fill out the FAFSA.

3. Some schools require the FAFSA and CSS to qualify students for merit aid even though merit aid is based on achievements in music, academics, etc.

4. FAFSA and CSS are NOT the same!

5. Loans vs. Grants
Grants don’t need to be paid back except under certain circumstances (see U.S. Federal Grants below under Resources). Loans must be paid back with interest.

6. What if you don’t get what you need?
Consider calling the admissions office of the school you want to attend. Be courteous and succinct when you let them know why you are calling. Have no expectations of the outcome of your call but if you do get more aid, be sure to send a thank you note or email.

If you send an email or leave a voice mail and don’t hear back, call or email again in 2-3 days. The person you’re trying to reach is likely inundated with calls and emails from others just like you!

Note that some schools are okay with your letting them know about other offers you’ve gotten. Others are not receptive to this information and it will not sway their decision.

7. Determine with your family how much debt you’re willing and able to take on BEFORE you apply to college.

Links & Resources

FAFSA

FAFSA Eligibility

CSS Profile

MajoringInMusic.com Scholarships for Music Majors

We’ve been bombarded by requests for information about music scholarships from prospective music majors, parents, and current music undergrads.

We understand how important and necessary financial assistance is to so many music students. That’s why we continue to work to find scholarship opportunities and other vital information that will support your search. But it will take work on your part, too.

Here’s what we suggest:

1. Visit MajoringInMusic.com’s Scholarships page. It’s on the top navigation bar of every page of the website.

• Read each entry and click on anything that could be even remotely relevant. Don’t rule out anything until you’ve really looked at it closely.

2. Look for all the music scholarships offered by the college you currently attend or are interested in attending.

• Some of these are offered directly by the schools and you’re considered for them when you apply and audition (no additional application needed). These are typically merit-based.
• Others are offered by foundations – these you WILL need to apply for separately.

3. Check out scholarships offered to students in your hometown and state.

4. U.S. citizens: visit FAFSA for government-related financial aid.

5. Click on all the links to articles and resources listed on the Scholarships page.

6. International students: A few of the scholarships on the Scholarships page apply to you as well. Each music school also indicates the options available to international students. But U.S. schools also have stiff admission requirements regarding the cost of attending.

7. Be METICULOUS about meeting deadlines. Don’t wait until the last minute so that you can check to see if your applications for scholarships and other financial aid have been received.

We’ve worked hard to compile this list from many sources since we know scholarships for music majors are difficult to find. The list is updated with new opportunities and new deadlines as quickly as we can get the information, so visit often.

 

When you apply for music scholarships –

1. Check scholarship deadlines carefully. Make sure your application arrives before the deadline.

2. Be sure to include all of the information requested. You will be considered based on the thoroughness of your application.

3. Note that while some of these are small scholarships, several small scholarships can add up to a significant chunk of tuition costs.

Link to Participating Music School Scholarship Info

Independent Music Scholarships

Against the Grain
Several scholarships for students who are at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity. Application deadline: May 31

American Association of University Women
Fellowships and grants for graduate school non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents. Must have equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree to apply. Application deadline: November.

American Indian College Fund
Scholarships for enrolled members of federal or state recognized tribes or descendants of at least one grandparent or parent who is an enrolled tribal member or Native Corporation member (AK). Application deadline: May 31

American Legion Legacy Scholarships
Scholarships for offspring of U.S. military members. Several options. Application deadline: March 1

ASCAP Foundation Scholarships
Several scholarships available in many areas of music. Check with the financial aid office at your school to see if a scholarship is available and if you are eligible. Application deadlines vary by program

Associated Male Choruses of America
Annual scholarships for music majors enrolled in undergraduate college-level music programs. Voice/choral majors preferred. Application deadline: March 1

BMI Foundation Scholarships
Several scholarships available in several areas of music including film/tv/video game composing; classical composing; songwriting in several genres. Application deadlines vary by program.

Boettcher Foundation Scholarships
For Colorado high school seniors nominated for excellence in academics, leadership, and community service. Includes tuition, room, board, stipend to be used at colleges in Colorado. DACA and Colorado ASSET applicants will be considered. Application deadline: November 1 of senior year

Byron Cameron Education Foundation Scholarship
Four-year, full-tuition scholarship for high academic achieving high school seniors with active participation and leadership in community or civic service. Application deadline: May 1 or as soon as 3,000 applications are received

Chopin Foundation of the U.S.
Gives up to ten renewable scholarships of $1000 each to pianists age 14 – 17. Application deadline: May 15

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Scholarships for high school seniors. Application deadline: September 30

Cooper International Competition
Alternating years feature a competition for violinists and a competition for pianists. Prizes up to $20,000 plus tuition scholarships to Oberlin Conservatory for top finalists. Application Deadline: April

Davidson Fellows
Scholarships are awarded to “extraordinary young people, 18 and under, who have completed a significant piece of work” in several areas including music. Application deadline: February

Dell Scholars Program
For grades 11 & 12, need-based, not specifically for music students. Application deadline: December 1

Evalee C. Schwarz Charitable Trust for Education
Interest-free loans for students who demonstrate high academic performance and financial need. Application deadline: early April

FASTWEB
Generic scholarships for high school, college, grad school and returning students. Categories include ethnicities, LGBTQ, veterans and many others. Application deadlines vary by program.

Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)
Financial support for study abroad for a semester or a full year, for currently enrolled undergraduates. Application deadline: First week of February

Gates Scholarship
Full college tuition for Pell-eligible, high-achieving high school seniors from low-income households. Application deadline: September

GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarships
Scholarships up to $40,000 for college for high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in academics and leadership. Application deadline: Early January

Glenn Miller Birthplace Society Scholarship Program
Vocal and instrumental scholarships. Application deadline: April

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
For anyone between 8-18 who has organized and led an extraordinary service activity tht is clearly benefitting other people of the planet. Ideal for someone who’s made a difference through music. Application deadline: April

Horatio Alger Association
Horatio Alger Scholarships are intended for promising students who have critical financial need, demonstrate integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, and are determined to succeed. Scholarships available for high school juniors, seniors and college students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or certificate program. Also available for graduate students. Deadline: depends on year in school.

Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award – From the Top Scholarship
Young musicians (ages 8-18) are selected for the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. Applicants must be pre-collegiate classical musicians ages 8-18 who demonstrate a high level of musical achievement and financial need. Application deadline: April

JEN – Jazz Education Network
JEN offers several scholarships for members. Application deadline: April 15

John Lennon Scholarships
Student songwriters, ages 17 through 24. Application deadline: January 15

Loren L. Zachary Society National Vocal Competition
For opera singers, ages 21-35, preparing for a professional career in opera. Audition deadlines: January (NY), February (LA).

Mario Lanza Institute Scholarship
Vocal scholarships for talented, aspiring singers ages 21 – 28, with a vocal/music study background. Application deadline: September

Braylin Campbell Memorial Music Business Scholarship Foundation
Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students participating in a music business program. Distributed by Music Biz’s academic partner institutions. Deadline: March

National Federation of Music Clubs
Competition and award prizes for voice, instrumental music, composition, and music therapy. Also financial awards for attending summer music festivals and programs.
Deadline: Varies by award, typically February, March or May.

Native American Vocal Scholars Program at The Plimpton Foundation
Scholarships for enrolled members of federally or state-recognized tribes or descendants of an enrolled member, majoring in voice at the undergraduate level (any genre: classical, contemporary, traditional, or interdisciplinary vocal studies). Application deadline: May 1, 2026

Paul and Daisy Soros Foundation Scholarships for New Americans
Grad school fellowships offered annually to immigrants and children of immigrants. Up to $90,000 for up to two years. Applications open in spring and deadlines in October

PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation
Annual scholarships for full-time college undergraduates of Hellenic descent and based on academic achievement, financial need, or leadership. Application deadline: January

peermusic Latin Scholarship
For songwriters and composers of Latin music who are current students at colleges and universities located in the United States and Puerto Rico. Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 24. All words and music must be original. Application deadline: January

PFLAG Scholarship Program
Graduating seniors entering college who identify within the LGBTQ spectrum or as an ally. Application deadlines: vary by state.

Percussive Arts Society
Scholarships and grants for student percussionists who are current members of the Percussive Arts Society (PAS). Applications deadline: April

Point Foundation LGBTQ Scholarship Fund 
Community college scholarships, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree scholarships. 
Deadline: Varies by scholarship

Posse Arts Program Scholarship
Schools and communities as well as music students themselves can nominate rising high school seniors for scholarships in these areas –  Atlanta, Bay Area, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Dallas, D.C., Denver, LA, Memphis, Miami, Newark, NYC, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Puerto Rico –  can nominate rising h.s. seniors for full-tuition Posse Arts Scholarships to Posse partner colleges. Deadline: Check with Posse.

Pride Foundation
For LGBTQ+ or questioning and residing in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington Application deadline: early January

Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest
High school seniors who are legal residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee or Texas. Requires written or video essay about an individual who inspires and motivates you. Application deadlines: March, June, September, and December

Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Various scholarships offered to challenged learners. Application deadline: varies by scholarship, typically Jan-March

Sphinx Competition
Open to current U.S. residents who are Black or Latino and play the Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass. Cash scholarships, summer program scholarships and college/conservatory scholarships. Application deadline: October

Strauss Foundation
$15,000 annual awards for 10-15 California college sophomores or juniors who undertake a high-impact project in public service or social change in their junior or senior year.
Application deadline: February but date varies by school

Sweet Adelines
Two options: Pat Ostrander 4-Star Collection Quartet Schoarship – for Sweet Adelines quartets to attend one of two vocal events. Bev Sellers Memorial Scholarship: to aid young singers pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Pedagogy, Music Education, or Music Composition at a four-year university. Deadline for both: mid-February

The Music Center’s Spotlight Program
Cash scholarships and artistic development training for high school students in Southern California in these categories of music: classical and contemporary voice and classical and contemporary instrumental (including jazz, pop and rock). Application deadline: October

Tuesday Musical Club of Pittsburgh
Bi-annual scholarships for high school and college music majors whose permanent residence is within 100 miles of Pittsburgh. Application deadline: March

U.S. Bank Scholarship Program
Not specific to music. Available to high school seniors and college undergraduates. Winners selected at random. Eligibility: high school senior planning to enroll in or a current undergraduate college student at an eligible two- or four-year college or university. U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. Application deadline: October

Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition (VEA)Classical clarinet, saxophone and jazz categories for U.S. musicians ages 18-23. Application deadline: December 

VSA International Young Soloists Program
The VSA (international Organization on Arts and Disability) International Young Soloists Award is given annually to young musicians with disabilities ages 14-25. Ensembles with at least one member with a disability are also eligible. Application deadline: January

Women Band Directors International
Women Band Directors International (WBDI) offers scholarships to female college students majoring in music education with the intention of becoming band directors. Application deadline: November 1

YoungArts
Monetary awards to promising high school students in all of the performing and visual arts plus writing. U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts are chosen from YoungArts Finalists. Application deadline: October

Young Artist Competition for Bassoon and Oboe
Two competitions sponsored by the International Double Reed Society. Competitions alternate annually between oboe and bassoon. Must be a member of the International Double Reed Society. Application deadline: March

NOTE: MajoringInMusic.com does not endorse any of the scholarship or financial aid sites listed, nor can we confirm the accuracy of information provided by these sites.

Photo Credit: Kellie Smith for LYNX Camps at (CU Denver)

It’s important to find out the cost of attendance at every school you plan to apply to without limiting yourself to the numbers right off the bat. There’s still time to consider scholarships, merit awards, FAFSA, part-time jobs, loans, and miracles!

Start by identifying the costs associated with the following:

tuition; housing and food; fees; books (and music); health insurance (if you plan to purchase it through the school); travel; storage (if you will be going to school out of state); and other expenses.

As a music student, be sure to find out about any additional costs for individual instruction; instrument upkeep; instrument rental and storage; instrument insurance; travel connected to any bands, ensembles or other music groups you may be part of; and performance attire.

Scholarships and Other Aid

Remember to ask the schools you are applying to about academic and talent scholarships; scholarships for the particular area of music you’re interested in studying; and financial aid specifically for music majors. Find out if you are automatically considered for scholarships by the school when you apply.

Also look for scholarship leads through:

• Foundations
• Parents’ places of employment
• Community groups/businesses/organizations: banks/credit unions, Lions/Rotary Clubs, etc.
• Religious and ethnic groups you’re connected with
• Company-based scholarships for specific fields of study
• Chambers of Commerce
• High school bulletin boards and counselors’ offices

Links & Resources

• List of Music Scholarships
• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• College Answer
• Fastweb
• Scholarships.com (scholarships specifically for vocal and instrumental music majors)

Stay away from scholarship opportunities you have to pay for – there are a lot of scams out there!

By Anthony McCain –

I’ve always been interested, and participated in, singing and performing. I was recently a high school senior with dreams and aspirations but no real support or way of achieving them because I come from a low-income family and I  know that things in life are not just handed to you. We all have to earn our share, and this is what taught me that only my hard work and tenacious attitude could get me where I wanted to head in life.

I made a decision that I was going to push myself and I did. AP courses, eight class periods, and college auditions on top of that. I competed and placed as the top baritone in the state of Washington and in the Northwest. <After applying and auditioning> I wasn’t sure where to go next, so I prayed about it and the next day got an email from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Not only had I been accepted into the school, but I had received a $10,000 renewable talent award that would be added to complete a full ride scholarship!

I was overjoyed, but then realized that I would certainly need to fly out to Oberlin to go to school. I was determined to stay on track and not give up, so I began thinking. I needed to get creative and I decided that I would do what seemed like the right thing:  reach out to the community.

I held a total of three bake sales where my family and I provided baked goods and asked for donations towards my ticket in return. At first this was a slow process but one evening, two firefighters approached my table.  They asked me to sing, so I did. To be honest, they didn’t seem shocked or surprised, but at least now believed that I could indeed sing. They bought a cookie and left. The next day, multiple news station crews came to the bake sale. Apparently, a large group of firefighters had called, insisting that they come out to hear me sing. I was not only humbled at the thought but I was a little nervous. I was interviewed and sang on TV, and the rest is history.

The most astonishing thing about this is that I did not expect such a wonderful response from the community, but I learned that hard work does pay off and that it’s important to be yourself and have a humble attitude towards life. To any other aspiring student considering music schools, my advice is to work really hard and stay focused. Focus less on the “today” and more on your future. Be sure to apply to FAFSA and to communicate with the schools you’re interested in, especially if you have financial need. The help is there but you have to reach out before anyone realizes you need support. Continue searching for scholarships because there are awards and grants for just about anyone for just about anything. I suggest you think outside the norm and get creative!

Bio: Anthony McCain is a freshman in voice performance at Oberlin Conservatory of Music. He was top high school baritone in his home state of Washington, a national finalist in the 2011 Classical Singer High School Competition, a member of the (NAfME) National Association for Music Education’s National Honor Choir, as well as a participant in All State Symphonic Choir, All State Jazz Choir, All Northwest Jazz Choir. McCain plans to keep his hometown community of Spokane, Washington updated about his progress, and will return to perform whenever he can. HIs goal is to sing and perform professionally.