College Scholarships for Music (2025 - 2026) Majors

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Scholarships and Grants for Music Majors

Music scholarships and grants help students pursue degrees in performance, composition, music education, and related disciplines. These awards are funded by universities, private organizations, and professional music associations, offering financial support to talented musicians who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and dedication to their craft.

Are There Scholarships for Music Majors?

Yes, numerous scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students studying music. Awards may be based on merit, talent, or financial need, and are often tied to auditions, compositions, or demonstrated leadership within the arts community.

What Is the John Lennon Scholarship?

The John Lennon Scholarship, funded by the BMI Foundation, supports emerging student songwriters and composers. Eligibility includes:

  • Being a U.S. college student between the ages of 17 and 24.
  • Submitting original music compositions or songs.
  • Demonstrating creativity and originality in songwriting.

Awards of up to $20,000 recognize outstanding creative work and potential in contemporary music composition.

What Is the ASCAP Foundation Scholarship?

The ASCAP Foundation Scholarship offers multiple awards for student composers, songwriters, and music business majors. Key details include:

  • Genre-specific scholarships in areas such as classical, jazz, and pop music.
  • Eligibility based on submitted compositions, essays, or musical portfolios.
  • Award amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

These scholarships honor musical excellence and innovation in composition and performance.

Are There Scholarships for Women in Music?

Yes, several programs specifically support women pursuing music degrees, including:

  • Women’s Music Club Scholarships: Awards for female students excelling in music education or performance.
  • International Alliance for Women in Music (IAWM) Scholarships: Supports women composers, conductors, and performers.

These scholarships promote gender diversity and representation across the music industry.

What Is the Glenn Miller Scholarship?

The Glenn Miller Scholarship recognizes high school seniors and college students who demonstrate exceptional musical talent. Eligibility includes:

  • Being a high school senior or first-year college student.
  • Submitting a performance video showcasing instrumental or vocal skills.
  • Participating in a live audition if selected as a finalist.

Awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 each year.

Are There Scholarships for High School Students Interested in Music?

Yes, high school students planning to major in music can apply for scholarships such as:

  • National YoungArts Foundation Awards: Recognizes talented young musicians in performance, composition, and conducting.
  • Davidson Fellows Scholarship: Honors high-achieving students who demonstrate extraordinary ability in music or composition.

These programs help young artists gain recognition and funding for early musical development.

What Is the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award?

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award supports promising young musicians who show both exceptional talent and financial need. Requirements include:

  • Being between the ages of 8 and 18.
  • Demonstrating outstanding musical ability through auditions or recordings.
  • Showing documented financial need.

Recipients receive up to $10,000 to cover educational and music-related expenses.

Corporate Scholarships for Music Majors

Several major companies sponsor music scholarships to support aspiring performers and educators, including:

  • Gibson Gives Scholarship: Provides funding for talented guitarists and music students.
  • Hal Leonard Performing Arts Scholarship: Supports students pursuing performance or music education degrees.
  • Yamaha Music Scholarship: Awards top students for excellence in instrumental or vocal performance.

Corporate-sponsored scholarships often include professional networking, mentorship, or internship opportunities in the music industry.

University-Specific Scholarships for Music Majors

Many leading music schools and universities offer their own institutional scholarships, including:

  • Berklee College of Music Scholarships: Merit-based awards for outstanding academic and artistic achievement.
  • Juilliard School Scholarships: Need- and merit-based funding for students in performance, composition, or conducting.
  • Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Awards: Competitive scholarships for undergraduate and graduate musicians.

Students should consult their college’s music department for program-specific awards and audition requirements.

What Is the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) Scholarship?

The National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) Scholarship supports talented musicians in disciplines such as piano, voice, strings, and composition. Eligibility includes:

  • U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
  • Submission of an audition recording or original composition.
  • Strong academic and artistic performance.

Awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with different categories for various musical specializations.

How to Apply for Music Scholarships

When applying for music scholarships and grants, students should:

  • Prepare an Audition or Portfolio: Submit high-quality recordings, videos, or compositions that highlight your skills.
  • Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Describe your musical journey, educational goals, and artistic vision.
  • Research Widely: Explore opportunities from universities, professional associations, and nonprofit music foundations.
  • Meet All Deadlines: Submit required materials such as recommendations and transcripts on time.

Applying to multiple programs increases your chances of securing funding to support your music education and career development.

Compare Top Scholarships for Music (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Music scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.

Scholarship Award Deadline Est. Time Renewable
NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship $2,000 April Low (~13 min) No
The NAACP Society Awards Scholarship $5,000 June Low (~10 min) No
Glenn Miller Scholarship Competition $4,000 August Low (~13 min) No
Jessica Karrat Dance Scholarship $500 Rolling Low (~10 min) No
Michael Jackson Scholarship $5,000 March Low (~20 min) No
Arts for Life! Scholarship $1,000 Rolling Med (~65 min) No
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship Application January Med (~86 min) No
The Aerosmith Scholarship June Med (~68 min) No

All Scholarships & Grants for Music Majors (2025 - 2026)

Below you’ll find a comprehensive collection of Music scholarships and grants for the 2025–2026 school years, curated from our regularly updated databases. To explore all available scholarship matches, visit our Scholarship Database and Grant Database, which both offer easy-to-use filters, current deadlines, and detailed eligibility information to help you discover the best Music scholarship opportunities. You can also download or export our latest Music Scholarship & Grant listings below.

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new scholarship

NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

Name: NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship Award Amount: $2,000 and $1,000 (non-renewable) Information and Eligibility: The NAACP x Society Awards...

Deadline: April
2
new scholarship

Arts for Life! Scholarship

Name: Arts for Life! Scholarship Award Amount: $1,000 Information and Eligibility: The Arts for Life! Scholarship, established in 1999 by former...

Deadline: Rolling
3
new scholarship

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship Application

Name: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarship Application Award Amount: Scholarship award amounts vary depending...

Deadline: January
4
new scholarship

The Aerosmith Scholarship

Name: Aerosmith Scholarship Award Amount: Varies (provides financial support for tuition and related educational expenses). Information And...

Deadline: June
5
new scholarship

The NAACP Society Awards Scholarship

Name: The NAACP Society Awards Scholarship Award Amount: $1,000 - 5,000 Information And Eligibility: The NAACP Society Awards Scholarship is one of...

Deadline: June
6
new scholarship

Glenn Miller Scholarship Competition

Name: The Glenn Miller Scholarship Competition Award Amount: $1000, $2000, and $4000 Information And Eligibility: Clarinda’s Glenn Miller...

Deadline: August
7
new scholarship

Jessica Karrat Dance Scholarship

Name: The Jessica Karrat Dance Scholarship Award Amount: $500 Information And Eligibility: The Jessica Karrat Dance Scholarship is open to all...

Deadline: Rolling
8
new scholarship

Michael Jackson Scholarship

Name: The Michael Jackson UNCF Scholarship Program Award Amount: $5000 Information And Eligibility: Created by Michael Jackson for UNCF students,...

Deadline: March

College Scholarships By Category

Quickly navigate to some of our most popular scholarships, such as state-specific scholarships, major-specific scholarships, and other popular categories. Please search our Scholarship Database to get matched with many more scholarships specific to your personal criteria.