Do Colleges Give Scholarships for Band?

I'm a high school junior who's been dedicated to band for a while. Do colleges offer scholarships for students involved in band, and if so, what kind of opportunities are out there? Any advice on where to start applying would be awesome!

Absolutely, many colleges do offer scholarships for students involved in band, and pursuing these awards can be a fantastic way to help finance your higher education while continuing to engage in an activity you love.

Just to give you an idea of what's out there, there are both merit-based and need-based scholarships available. Indeed, there are scholarships specific to marching band, jazz band, concert band, and even individual instruments. They can be offered through the colleges themselves or potentially by external organizations.

Many universities—especially those with strong music programs or marching bands—offer scholarships to talented musicians regardless of their intended major. Some schools, like University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin–Madison, offer sizable band scholarships for students participating in their marching bands.

However, do keep in mind that the competition for these scholarships can be stiff. You'll likely need to audition either in-person or through a recorded submission, and demonstrate both your musicianship and your commitment to the band.

In terms of where to start applying, it would be a good idea to begin by researching the universities you're interested in. Check their music department or band program websites and see what scholarships they offer, checking eligibility requirements and application instructions closely. You can also approach your high school band director, as they may know of opportunities that past students have pursued.

Alternatively, look for national scholarships for band students. Resources such as Scholarship.com or Appily can aid in searching for these external scholarships. Remember that applying for scholarships is a numbers game, so apply to as many as you're eligible for to increase your chances.

Hope this helps guide your scholarship search, and best of luck with your band journey!