Can you actually get a scholarship for being in the school band?

I'm really passionate about playing the trumpet and have been part of my school's band for the past three years. I've heard rumors about scholarships being available for band members. Is that true, and if yes, how do I go about applying for them?

Do colleges actively recruit for band positions similar to how they do for sports like football or basketball? Any information about schools that are known for offering great scholarships for musicians would be super helpful! Thanks in advance for any advice or personal experiences!

Absolutely, you can definitely receive scholarships for participating in a school band as several colleges do indeed offer music scholarships and this includes being in the school band. However, the nature and amount of the scholarships can vary significantly and depend on many factors.

The scholarships can be based on merit (your level of proficiency and achievement with your trumpet) or need (based on financial circumstances), or a combination of both. They may also require you to major in music, but not always. There are schools that offer what is called “ensemble” or “performance” scholarships, which are offered to students regardless of their intended major, as long as they agree to continue participating in the band.

In terms of recruitment, it's not exactly like athletic recruitment. In fact, a music department or individual professor might not have as much sway in the admissions process as a sports coach might. What's common is for prospective students to audition for the music program in addition to applying for admission. The results of the audition can possibly influence the admissions decision and your eligibility for a music scholarship.

Interested in applying for a music scholarship? Here is a potential course of action: start with the schools you're interested in and check their music department or financial aid websites for any scholarship information. Then, reach out to each department directly to inquire about possible scholarships and their audition timelines and requirements.

For example, the Berklee College of Music and the Juilliard School are known for offering substantial music scholarships. Smaller liberal arts colleges like Oberlin and Lawrence University not only have top music programs, but also offer numerous scholarships for music students.

Additionally, there are also a slew of private organizations that grant scholarships to high school musicians which are not tied to any specific institution.

Do make sure to showcase your passion for the trumpet and band in your application. Bands have an important role in creating a lively atmosphere in campus events, which colleges definitely appreciate. Being in the band gives you a unique perspective which can be valuable in your essays or interviews.

Remember that musical ability is highly valued in applications, but your academics also hold a lot of weight. Keep up those strong grades and continue to play your heart out! You'll find that colleges truly do appreciate the balance of academic and musical dedication.