The Complete Guide to Music Scholarships

Being musically inclined is a precious gift that not everyone possesses. Whether you play an instrument, sing, or perform, there are music scholarships designed just for you!

Many students apply for scholarships based on their geographic location, GPA, and ethnicity. While these are all legitimate qualifications, your passion for music can open doors you never knew were there. 

Are you ready to capitalize on your talent and start applying for the best music scholarships available? 

We're here to help with a complete guide on finding and applying for these unique opportunities.

What Sets You Apart

Studies show that students studying music or performing arts perform better across all academic subjects. 

Students that major in music or a related field often have higher GPAs, score higher on their SATs, and receive more academic honors than those who don't. 

Honor Society offers several scholarships that recognize these academic achievements including the Perfect GPA Scholarship and the Highest Honors Student Scholarship. 

Are you fortunate enough to excel both academically and musically? If so, there are plenty of scholarships out there designed for talented and eager students just like you.

Don't Let Go of Your Dreams

It's not easy to pursue a career in music or the performing arts. All too often, naysayers put doubt in your mind that studying music isn't a "real" career. 

Some people may even be as brazen enough to ask, "What will you do with a music degree?"

Don't let their negativity cloud your vision for the future. There are countless lucrative careers that all started with a background in music education. 

Don't let your dreams die before they've even begun. Having financial support might make the decision to pursue music education easier.

That's why we've compiled this list of music scholarships to help you chase and realize your dreams with confidence. 

Music Scholarships You Never Knew Existed

Your musical talent does more than just expand your mind. It also makes you eligible for some pretty amazing scholarship opportunities. 

Here are some of our top choices. 

3LAU “Everything” Scholarship

Most scholarships average between $1,000 and $5,000. This unique opportunity awards the winner an impressive $14,700!

If you're a creative mind who recently made an original song, dance, or piece of artwork, you're eligible for this generous music scholarship.

Candidates must be enrolled in high school or college and write a short answer that explains their original piece and how it represents your "everything". 

This is the perfect opportunity for creative and talented students to be rewarded for expressing themselves in a unique way.

Ella Henderson Dream Big Scholarship

Scholarships, by nature, help students realize their dreams by offering financial support.

If music has changed your life in a positive way, your eligible for this $1,000 reward. To apply, you must be a high school student and write a short essay describing how music has impacted your life.

Share your inspiring story and you may just receive this $1,000 scholarship. 

Joe Bonamassa Music Studies Scholarship

Sometimes, passion is all you need to succeed. Are you interested in creating original music? Do you love playing an instrument or drafting lyrics and musical arrangements?

The Joe Bonamassa Music Studies Scholarship is open to students from all levels of education with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If you're interested in pursuing a music career, this $1,000 scholarship can help get you started.

KUURO Master Your Craft Scholarship

This music scholarship encompasses a wide range of artistic talents.

Students at every level studying film/TV, video, digital or print art, photography, music, and other creative subjects are all eligible for this $890 scholarship.

Applicants must share their current projects, what inspires them to do what they do, and their creative ambitions for the future. 

Darryl Davis “Follow Your Heart” Scholarship

All undergraduate students who have a passion for singing are eligible for this $500 scholarship.

The Darryl Davis "Follow Your Heart" Scholarship also honors students who give back to their community and are involved with the local church. 

In a similar fashion, Honor Society offers a $1,000 Community Service Scholarship for involvement in the local community and giving back. 

Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award

Are you a natural overachiever? Don't want to wait until you graduate (or even reach) high school to start saving for college?

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award is given to full-time students ages 8 to 18 who show exceptional musical talent and promise. 

This $10,000 scholarship is an impressive way to invest in your dreams, and yourself, early on. 

Ocean Awareness Contest 

Another music scholarship geared toward young learners, the Ocean Awareness Contest awards several prizes ranging from $100 to $1,500. 

Students aged 11 to 18 are eligible and must create an original piece of art in their chosen genre. These include music, poetry, prose, visual art, film, interactive, and multimedia.

Gabriella Carter Music and Me Scholarship

Does music touch your soul in a special way? Are you willing to share your story? If so, you might be eligible for the Gabriella Carter Music and Me Scholarship.

This $1,000 scholarship is given to a single black student who shares a heartfelt essay about the comfort only music can bring to their lives. 

Sikdope “Music Is The Cure” Scholarship

Are you an ESL (English as a second language) student who also has a passion for music? 

The Sikdope "Music Is the Cure" Scholarship is open to students at every level who are studying in the United States and whose second language is English.

Musician Sikdope is awarding this impressive $3,000 scholarship in honor of his new single, "Waiting All Night".

Turn Your Passion into a Payday

Music scholarships are the perfect way to honor creative and passionate students chasing their dreams.

With a variety of eligibility requirements, students of all ages, backgrounds, and interests can apply for these unique opportunities. 

Applying for scholarships doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. Head over to our scholarship directory to discover more amazing opportunities.

Click here to see the proud faces of some of our most recent scholarship recipients.