At some point between elementary and high school, most kids find themselves picking up a musical instrument, ranging from a piano to an oboe.
As with any discipline, becoming an excellent musician is that it comes with practice, a lot of practice, regardless of passion. However, the silver lining is that one can use it to their advantage to apply for scholarships in the future.
In general, there are a number of scholarships for popular instruments such as the guitar, piano and flute. These instruments are not only more common, they are also more common in band arrangements. However, some instruments that are less common have even better scholarships. Instruments like the Bassoon rarely get mentioned in middle or high school band can sometimes be highly sought after by a college needing this rare instrument.
Harp
As one of the earliest, as well as the most difficult instruments known to produce aesthetic sounds; any student who manages to learn and excel at the harp has given themselves an edge for a scholarship. The Dr. Edward Adelson Scholarship program based in the University of Maryland is for undergraduate students that play string-based instruments.
Tuba
This brass instrument features the lowest tonal range among instruments. Due the power required to play it, the tuba demands a dedicated and forceful talent. The University of Texas offers two types of scholarships for tuba players: the Everett M. Gilmore Orchestra Tuba Scholarship, and the Everett Gilmore Miraphone Tuba Scholarship.
While the Miraphone Scholarship offers an award of $1,000 to students in the College of Music, the Orchestra Scholarship offers an adjustable award.
Oboe
While resembling a clarinet, this double-reed instrument is thinner. For enthusiasts who may want to pursue their education in a school that further enhances their oboe playing while also offering financial relief, check if you qualify against the offered scholarships’ criteria.
An oboe performer must pitch exceptionally well; perfecting the tune requires an ample amount of practice. Moreover, some performers need to start on plastic reeds before moving on to wooden ones.
Bassoon
This is another large instrument that can help get scholarships almost purely due to it’s rarity. It rarity is associated with the challenges faced by those interested in the oboe or the bassoon which comes in the form of the duration it takes to learn this instrument, and the costs associated with them, as private teachers must be hired.
Cello
Performers play it by bowing its four strings. It is the second largest instrument, and has the second lowest (in pitch). The University of Maryland offers the Agnes White Bailey Cello Scholarship for undergraduate cello students. Through this scholarship, nominees can receive an award ranging from $1,000-15,000 per year.
Guitar
Probably one of the most popular instruments, making guitar lessons equally popular. However, surprisingly scholarships are more rare here. Young guitar players often join bands to hone their skills. It’s this extra curricular activity that usually will sway a college.
The Abell Family String Scholarship Fund worth $1,275, is available for all students invested in string instruments.
Flute
The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship worth $6,500, offers high school graduates from South Dakota a chance to pursue their passion without financial worries.
Piano
Daunting to most children at first, the melodious tunes of a piano can make anyone want to begin learning. If you’re adept at piano-playing and would like to continue with it, make sure to check out the Stella Knobel & Mary Jean Carter Scholarship program, worth $2,500.
If your child is seeking a scholarship for their favorite instrument, contact us so they can get one-on-one training right in the comfort of your home.
