Asian Musicians: Are There Scholarships?

I'm an Asian student passionate about music and thinking about pursuing it in college. Do any scholarships exist specifically for Asian musicians, or should I focus on more general music scholarships?

There definitely are scholarships that target specific demographics, including Asian students or musicians. However, from my understanding, finding a scholarship specifically for Asian musicians might be a little bit difficult. Your search should be multi-pronged. You want to look for scholarships that target each aspect of your identity and interests: your ethnic background as an Asian student, your interest in music, and your plans to pursue music in college.

Many organizations, groups, and universities offer scholarships to Asian and Pacific Islander students. Examples could include the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF), U.S Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC), and many others. While these are not music-specific, they can certainly be utilized towards a music education.

In terms of music, there are many scholarships available to students pursuing music in college. Some notable ones include the NAfME (National Association for Music Education) Scholarships, School Band & Orchestra Magazine Scholarship, and Music Teachers National Association Scholarship Competitions, among others. You should also investigate whether there are any music scholarships available at the specific college you hope to attend, as many universities offer merit-based scholarships for students in their music programs.

In essence, don't restrict your search. Scholarships targeting Asian students, musicians, or ideally, both may exist, but you should cast your net wide to include general scholarships you're eligible for, too.