Grants for a Vocalist Who Wants to Go Back to School

Scholarships are available for vocalists looking to complete their education.

Returning to college can be an exciting and rewarding experience. In the field of music, there are numerous programs tailored for vocalists at various colleges and universities throughout the United States. While many music scholarships are tailored for graduating high school seniors, there are also financial resources for older students and those returning to an academic setting.

Opera Training Programs

Students wishing to become opera performers undergo rigorous training and need guidance from seasoned professionals. Institutions that specialize in opera can be a resource for both instruction as well as financial aid. The Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, prepares opera soloists. Admission is granted by audition and accepted students receive their education tuition-free. Eligible applicants must have four years of training, either at a college or by private instruction. Female applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 28, and male applicants between 20 and 30 years old. Special exceptions are made for military personnel and those who enter the field at a later age.

Transitional Scholarships

There are scholarships programs available for adult students looking to make a career change or find ways to overcome financial and social hardships. Executive Women International advocates for women in business. The organization offers the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition award to adults who face various challenges and are looking to use education to create a brighter future. As of 2011, the award amount is $2,500. Interested applicants should contact their local Executive Women International chapter to apply. Though not music specific, it is an award that can be helpful for older vocal students who fit the eligibility profile.

Federal Aid

The U.S. Department of Education offers grant and loan programs to students. The Direct PLUS Loan is available to graduate and professional degree students, and is a useful resource for older music student looking to return to school to pursue a masters degree or doctorate. Though not a grant or scholarship, this program does allows students to obtain funding at an interest rate of 7.9 percent, or 6 percent for military personnel, as of 2011. The maximum amount that a student can borrow is the cost of tuition less the amount of other financial assistance received.

University and College Scholarships

The music departments at many colleges and universities offer scholarships to attract talented students to their programs. While some scholarships are specific to graduating high school students, others are open to all incoming undergraduate or graduate students. For example, the music department at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon, awards the Oregon Service Scholarship. As of 2011 it is an award of $1,250 to $1,500 given to graduate students. For all scholarships, applicants must audition and show a cumulative GPA of 3.0 during their high school or college career. To see if financial awards are granted at a particular institution, it is best to contact the music department directly or refer to the school's website.

References

• Academy of Vocal Arts: About
• Academy of Vocal Arts: Application and Entrance Requirements
• Executive Women International: About
• Executive Women International: Adult Students in Scholastic Transition
• Scholarships.com: Adult Students in Scholastic Transition Scholarship
• U.S. Department of Education: Direct PLUS Loans

Resources

• Music Scholarship.US: General Music Scholarships
• Wester Oregon University: Music Scholarships