I'm a junior really passionate about music, but I don't necessarily want to major in it once I get to college. I've heard there might be scholarships for musicians who aren't pursuing music as a major. Does anyone have information on these kinds of scholarships or know where I could find them? I'd love to keep playing music on the side during college.
Yes, there are indeed scholarships available specifically for musically inclined students, irrespective of their intended majors. These awards often glance at a student's musical prowess or commitment to music, whether that's through performance, composition, or involvement in music-related activities.
One example is the John Lennon Scholarships, offered by the BMI Foundation, which are open to all full-time students between ages 17 and 24, whether music majors or not, who write or compose songs.
Similarly, the Marching Band Scholarship, offered by the Big Sun organization, is open to all high school seniors who participate in sports and are also involved in school music programs.
Another example is the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society scholarship which is open to high school seniors and freshmen studying in any field, as long as they participate in the organization's annual Glenn Miller Scholarship Competition (a music competition).
Remember that scholarship eligibility can vary greatly based on different parameters, so always carefully read through the requirements and details before applying.
Please also be sure to check with the financial aid offices at your prospective schools. Some universities offer music scholarship programs for non-music majors who participate in university bands, orchestras, or other musical groups.
Lastly, scholarship databases such as Scholarship.com and Fastweb can be very helpful in finding more opportunities specific to your situation. You can tailor your scholarship search based on your personal characteristics, circumstances, and interests.
I hope this information helps, and best of luck in your college and scholarship application process!
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