Music Scholarships

Explore Music Scholarship Opportunities

Available for Music Majors and Non-Majors!

Athletic Band + Spirit Team Scholarships

Athletic Band + Spirit Team Scholarships are awarded to students who enroll and participate in the ESU Marching Hornets, Hornet Cheer, Stingers Dance Team, ESU Colorguard, Hornet Revue Pep Band, Volleyband or Elegante Independent Winterguard.

Scholarships are renewable and increase per year of involvement. You do not have to be a music major to earn your scholarship. Total Financial Aid + Stackable Scholarships shall not exceed the total cost of attendance.

Fall semester awards:

Year 1 — $2,000
Year 2 — $2,500
Year 3 — $2,750
Year 4 and above — $3,000

Spring semester (no field events) awards:

Year 1 — $1,500
Year 2 — $1,750
Year 3 — $2,000
Year 4 and above — $2,250

The Emporia State Marching Hornets do not require a scholarship audition. Spirit Teams require auditions. Dates and times are on the interest forms below.

Please fill out the interest forms below to learn more.

Athletic Bands

Emporia State University Marching Hornets
Hornet Revue Pep Band
Volleyband

Spirit Teams

Hornet Cheer
Stingers Dance Team
ESU Colorguard
Elegante Independent Winterguard

All students are encouraged to audition for additional music talent scholarships.

CHOIR SCHOLARSHIPS

Choir Scholarships are awarded to students who enroll and participate in any Emporia State University choir ensemble.

Annual awards:

Year 1 — $2,000
Year 2 — $2,500
Year 3 — $2,750
Year 4 and above — $3,000

When you are part of the ESU Chamber Singers, you’ll earn an additional award of $750 each year. Section leaders also receive an additional $500 per year.

You must audition to receive choir scholarships. Please complete the ESU Choirs interest form for more information and to schedule an audition.

STRING SCHOLARSHIPS

String Scholarships are awarded to students who enroll and participate in the Emporia State University Chamber Orchestra or any string ensemble.

Annual awards:

Year 1 — $2,000
Year 2 — $2,500
Year 3 — $2,750
Year 4 and above — $3,000

When you serve as concertmaster, principal or section leader, you’ll earn an additional award of $750 each year.

You must audition to receive string scholarships. Please complete the String Scholarship Interest Form for more information and to schedule an audition.

Music Talent Scholarships

Music Talent Scholarships are awarded based on musical talent, academic progress, leadership and participation in music activities. Any student, regardless of academic major, may audition for a music scholarship.

This scholarship includes required enrollment and participation in a major music ensemble each semester and is renewable annually, pending completion of requirements, a re-audition and approval of the music scholarship committee.

To audition, attend a Music Talent Scholarship Audition Day, listed on the Opportunities in Music Form below. Audition days allow you to meet faculty and current students, sit in on classes and rehearsals as well as perform audition material.

Total Financial Aid + Stackable Scholarships shall not exceed the total cost of attendance.

Music Talent Scholarship Audition Days

To arrange your audition date, complete the Opportunities in Music form.
To receive a free lesson, contact a faculty member in your instrument/voice area.

Please bring the following forms to your audition:

Student Resume Form (Checklist of Musical Activities and Participation)
Form Letter of Recommendation

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

VOCAL REQUIREMENTS: Performance: Sing two contrasting classical songs from memory that best suit your talents. An accompanist will be provided at no charge. Please bring proper sheet music. Concert attire is expected (i.e. shirt and tie, dress slacks, simple/classic dress, dress shoes, etc.).
Sight Singing: One or two very simple eight-measure melodies will be given to you at the audition for unaccompanied sight singing. You will be given the first pitch. You can sing the melodies on "lah," "loo" or any sight singing system you choose.
Pitch Retention: Repeat four- and five-note melodic patterns which will be played for you on the piano. Sing on "lah."
Contact person: Dr. Scott Wichael
PIANO REQUIREMENTS: Repertoire: Perform at least two compositions from different stylistic periods.
Technical Studies: Be prepared to play your routine of scales, arpeggios and cadences.
Memorization: If prepared, perform at least one of your compositions from memory.
Sight Reading: Perform some simple sight reading.
Contact person: Tiffany Budke
BRASS REQUIREMENTS: Repertoire: Perform two contrasting movements from a work of your choice.
Technical Studies: Perform at least two major scales and full-range chromatic scale. Minor scales are encouraged.
Sight Reading: Perform some simple sight reading.
Contact person: Dr. Gary Ziek
WOODWIND REQUIREMENTS: Repertoire: Perform two contrasting movements from a work of your choice.
Technical Studies: Perform at least two major scales and full range chromatic scale. Minor scales are encouraged.
Sight Reading: You will be asked to do some simple sight reading.
Contact person: Dr. Dawn McConkie
STRING REQUIREMENTS: Repertoire: Perform two contrasting solo pieces or two contrasting movements from a sonata or concerto (with or without accompaniment).
Technical Studies: Perform at least one major scale (two to three octaves) of your choice.
Memorization: Your scale must be memorized. Your repertoire memorized is optional.
Sight Reading: Read two excerpts from standard repertoire (solo and/or orchestral).
PERCUSSION REQUIREMENTS: Repertoire: Perform a snare drum piece, either concert or rudimental study.
Perform a short keyboard percussion piece, either two or four mallet (xylophone, marimba or vibes). This can be of any style, including contemporary, transcription or jazz.
If desired, prepare one or both of the following to demonstrate further ability: one piece for timpani and/or a demonstration of drum set styles.
Sight Reading: Perform some simple sight reading.
Contact person: Dr. Tracy Freeze