Instrumental Music Scholarships

Instrumental and vocal performance scholarships are available to all talented musicians regardless of whether a student plans to major or minor in the music program. Scholarship amounts are awarded in the following manner:

Freshman year: $1,000
Sophomore year: $1,000
Junior year: $1,500
Senior year: $2,000
TOTAL: $5,500

If you receive a performance scholarship, you are required to participate in an ensemble and assist with minor administrative duties for that ensemble every term at Alma College. Students are also encouraged to take private lessons with our studio teachers (piano students are required to study privately each term). To be considered for a performance scholarship, you need to apply to Alma College and arrange for an audition with the Music Department. The toll free number for Admissions is 1-800-321-ALMA.



HALF AND FULL TUITION MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Students who receive a performance award may also be invited to a second audition to be considered for a larger scholarship that can equal full tuition. The award covers tuition costs for the year, less non-college government and private grants and scholarships. Any high school senior who has a 3.5 cumulative GPA or 25 ACT composite or is in the top 20% of a high school class is eligible. The student must also have applied and been accepted for admission at Alma College.

In certain circumstances, this audition may be accomplished via tape or video recording, however students are strongly encouraged to audition in person.

This competition is held in Presbyterian Hall of the Heritage Center for Performing Arts in the spring, and candidates are notified by letter of invitation. For the performance, students must perform a movement from a concerto or sonata or equivalent composition from the standard repertoire. Students must provide their own accompanist.

In addition to the two awardees, two alternates may be selected. Notification to the students will be made by letter during the following week. Acceptance of the scholarship requires that the student perform in an ensemble as assigned by the faculty and take studio lessons.



SCHEDULE A VISIT TO THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT OR ARRANGE AN AUDITION:

BAND AUDITIONS contact Mr. David Zerbe at (989) 463-7213 or zerbe@alma.edu to schedule an appointment.

What to prepare:
  1. Be prepared to tell us about your high school band or orchestra experience and if you know how to play more than one instrument.

  2. Major and minor scales of your choice.

  3. Two short and contrasting etudes or solo pieces from solo and ensemble festival or as recommended by your private lesson teacher.
    Auditioning by memory is not required.


ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS contact Mr. Murray Gross, Director of the Alma Symphony Orchestra at gross@alma.edu to schedule an appointment. String students should also contact Mr. Jason Economides, Violin Artist in Residence, at (989) 463-7119 or economides@alma.edu.
What to prepare:
  1. Be prepared to tell us about your high school band or orchestra experience and if you know how to play more than one instrument.

  2. Major and minor scales of your choice.

  3. Two short and contrasting etudes or solo pieces from solo and ensemble festival or as recommended by your private lesson teacher. Auditioning my memory is not required.


PIANO AUDITIONS - phone Dr. Raymond Riley at (989) 463-7295 to schedule an audition date.
  1. Dr. Raymond Riley will hold the auditions in his studio (Eddy 134). Contact him for an audition time. Students should prepare 2 contrasting works from the standard classical repertoire. Auditioning by memory is recommended, but not required.

  2. Also, students should prepare a brief biography indicating repertoire and musical experiences (i.e. competitions, camps, recitals, etc.).
© 2004 Alma College Music Department