Music scholarship

The Earlham Music Department models the belief that all music is worthy of study. This is reflected not only in the impressive range of our ensembles but is also woven into the entire music curriculum. 

Earlham music majors also have the ability to pursue our unique 3+1 music education program. Through this program, you can obtain a B.A. in music, a Master of Arts in Teaching and an Indiana teaching license in just four years.

This scholarship ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 per year and is renewable for up to four years.

Eligible students must be accepted to and enroll at Earlham as part of the fall entering class and plan to participate in music classes and/or ensembles.

Please note: Students receiving funds from the INspire Earlham Program can apply for this scholarship but are not eligible for additional funding since tuition is already covered by the INspire Earlham Program.

Recipients are chosen by the faculty in the music department based on academic achievement in high school, audition submission and completed application form.

The criteria for auditions are as follows:

• Piano: Prepare two contrasting pieces and be prepared to sight-read a short piece.
• Voice/choir: Prepare two contrasting pieces, commonly a classical work adn a Broadway- or popular-style piece. The clasical work should be in a language other than English. Be prepared to sing a simple melody on sight.
• Instrumental (strings, including guitar; woodwinds; brass; percussion; and non-Western instruments): Prepare two contrasting pieces. If the candidate is a multi-instrumentalist, they may perform one work on each instrument. (Note: It is presumed that these are notated works, with the exception of someone who may be auditioning on a non-Western instrument.)

Prior to your audition, please prepare a short information sheet that includes the following:

• Your instrument(s) or voice type.
• Years of study on the instrument(s) or voice.
• High school ensemble background.
• Participation in solo and ensemble contests or equivalent.
• Any experience with music composition or computer music.
• If a pianist or guitarist, any experience as an accompanist.

To remain eligible, you must:

• Maintain a 2.0 GPA.
• Participate in one ensemble each semester while on campus. This includes the orchestra, jazz groups, percussion groups, the Javanese gamelan and choirs. (For pianists, you can serve as an accompanist during lessons and recitals, to the equivalent level of time commitment as an ensemble participant.)
• Take a lesson on your instrument or voice every semester to support your work in the ensembles.