皇冠彩票
Music Scholarships & Grants
In keeping with our founder鈥檚 philosophy that music education should be available to anyone, 皇冠彩票 is committed to maintaining an affordable, competitive tuition.聽 皇冠彩票 awards financial assistance to 100% of its full-time undergraduate students and our Financial Aid staff works to maximize aid through scholarships, grants and loans.
Internal Scholarships
VanderCook offers a wide variety of institutional scholarships and grants which come in the form of Talent Awards, Need-Based Grants, and various named scholarships. VanderCook’s financial aid team will put together packages designed with each students’ specific strengths, goals and needs in mind.
- Scholarships are awarded based on talent, academic success, need, and potential
- Scholarships are annual awards and may be renewable each year if the student meets and maintains basic criteria
- Institutional aid is awarded in addition to state and federal financial aid packages that students may receive
- Other assistance may be available for highly motivated future music educators
- Additional opportunities may be available for those playing specialty instruments
Institutional Assistance
VanderCook Scholars Program – High school seniors looking to turn their passion for music into a career may be eligible for this four-year FREE tuition scholarship.
Talent Scholarship
Future Teacher Grant
H.E. Nutt Academic Excellence Grant
VanderCook Need Grant
VanderCook Work
VanderCook Alumni Association Scholarship
Esprit de Corps Award
James E. Clark Scholarship
Lew and Gerry Schmidt Scholarship
Wisconsin Music Educators Scholarship
Bill Kalbreier Scholarship
The Maurice T. & Ruth A. Rhodes Scholarship for Wind Players
The Herman D. Smith Memorial Scholarship
Lew and Gerry Schmidt Instrumental Music Education Scholarship
Choral Leaders Scholarship
(Please refer to the guide to grants, scholarships and loans below for more complete information on these assistance programs.)
Grants
A grant is a type of gift aid that does not need to be paid back. The amount awarded is usually based on financial need and is generally provided by the federal government, state government or 皇冠彩票.
VanderCook Future Teacher Grant
A grant is a type of gift aid that does not need to be paid back. The amount awarded is usually based on financial need and is generally provided by the federal government, state government or 皇冠彩票.
| Type | Amount | Who is eligible? | How to Apply | Other information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VanderCook Future Teacher Grant | $500 for one year | Transfer or new undergraduate students | Awarded by Scholarship Committee | Student is not eligible if admitted on musical or academic probation. Grant is given for the first year of attendance and is not renewable. |
| VanderCook H.E. Nutt Academic Excellence Grant | $1,000 annually | First-time freshman students graduating with at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale are eligible. Students must also score a composite 22 on their ACT or 1,100 composite SAT score (reading plus math). | Awarded by VanderCook's Admissions Committee. | Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 3.0 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. |
| VanderCook Need Grants | $250-$2,000 annually | Undergraduate students demonstrating financial need. | Submit a FAFSA by December 1. | Based on need according to VanderCook's Financial Aid Office. Awards are reviewed annually. |
| VanderCook Legacy Award | $1,000 | Undergraduate students who have had a VanderCook alumnus as a music teacher or direct relative. | Awarded by VanderCook's Admissions Committee. | This grant automatically renews provided the student earns a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and maintains full-time status and participation in major ensembles, as assigned. |
Scholarships
A scholarship is a type of gift aid that rewards a student for grades, talent, financial need or a specific career interest. Scholarships do not typically need to be repaid, although some scholarships have program requirements and/or obligations. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions before you accept any money.
| Type | Amount | Who is eligible? | How to Apply | Other information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Glenn E. Holtz Scholarship for Aspiring Band Directors | $1000 - $2000 per year | Entering first-year student (freshman or transfer) in the Undergraduate Instrumental Program. | Entering Instrumental students are automatically considered for this award at the time of audition. | Renewable |
| Bill Kalbreier Scholarship | $1000 - $5000 | Priority is given to an entering vocal major who shows promise of becoming an outstanding choral music educator. A returning student may be considered if funds are available | All entering students who audition on voice are automatically considered for the award. The Scholarship Committee reviews candidates鈥� audition results, academic record, application essay and interview to determine the final candidate. The Director of Admissions and choral music education faculty may recommend that a candidate be considered for the award, but the Committee makes the final determination. | This scholarship is renewable over four years. |
| VanderCook Talent Scholarship | Up to $2,500 annually | All undergraduate students. Award amounts are based on merit. | Audition as part of the application process. A completed application to VanderCook is required to receive an award. | This grant automatically renews provided the student earns a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and maintains full-time status and participation in major ensembles, as assigned. |
| The Maurice T. & Ruth A. Rhodes Scholarship for Wind Players | $2,000 | Entering freshman woodwind or brass undergraduate student (with preference given to woodwind student) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and an ACT score of 22 or higher with writing. The recipient must pursue the BMEd degree and personify the disposition VanderCook seeks to nurture in its future teachers: strength in character, excellence in music, professionalism in teaching. The recipient must also have financial need. | All entering students who audition on a wind instrument, meet the academic criteria, and demonstrate financial need are automatically considered for the award. The Scholarship Committee may require a completed FAFSA Application before making their final selection. The Scholarship Committee reviews candidates鈥� audition results, academic record, application essay and interview to determine the final candidate. The Director of Admissions and wind music education faculty may recommend that a candidate be considered for the award, but the Committee makes the final determination. | Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 3.0 semester GPA and participates in ensembles, as assigned. |
| VanderCook James E. Clark Georgia Scholarship | Up to $1,000 annually | Students residing in the state of Georgia who demonstrate talent, financial need, and a desire to become a music educator. | Submit a FAFSA by December 1. Audition is part of the application process. A completed application to VanderCook is required to receive an award. | Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. Reviewed annually. |
| The Herman D. Smith Memorial Scholarship | $500 | African American undergraduate with an interest in teaching in Chicago Public Schools. | Awarded by selection of faculty committee. All African American undergraduate students seeking admission to or in the BMEd program are automatically considered. The Scholarship Committee reviews candidates鈥� leadership, academic record, application essay and interview to determine the candidate most likely to pursue and succeed as a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools. The Director of Admissions and any member of the VanderCook faculty may recommend that a candidate be considered for the award but the Committee makes the final determination. | This scholarship is renewable for up to four years. |
| Dr. Lewis and Gerry Schmidt Instrumental Music Education Scholarship | $500 - $1,000 | Undergraduate students. Preference is given to a student who is a resident of the state of Wisconsin. | Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. | Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. |
| VanderCook Alumni Association Award | $1,000 | This scholarship is awarded each spring to a junior-level student. | Nominations are made by faculty and staff members and are based on merit. | This is a one-time award and is not renewable. |
| VanderCook Esprit de Corps Award | $250 | This scholarship is awarded each spring to five students; one each at the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior level, as well as one Master's & Certification or TCEP candidate. | Nominations are made by faculty and staff members and are based on merit. | This is a one-time award and is not renewable. |
| Choral Leaders Scholarship | Varies | Sophomore or Junior who exemplifies strength in character, professionalism in teaching, and excellence in music. Must demonstrate volunteerism in every regard, previously held or currently holds leadership positions throughout the school, is innovative in the classroom and out, approachable and always willing to help, and passionate about teaching and music. | Nominations are made by choral/vocal faculty and are based on merit. | Non-renewable. Student must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA. |
| VanderCook Great Teacher | $500-3,000 | Undergraduate, Master's & Certification and TCEP students who display very high levels of academic excellence and musical ability are referred to the president for award consideration. | Awarded by VanderCook's Admissions Committee. | Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 3.0 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. Full-time Master's and Certification or TCEP students must earn a 3.75 semester GPA. |
| VanderCook President's Award | $500-5,000 | Undergraduate, Master's & Certification and TCEP students who display the highest levels of academic excellence and musical ability are referred to the president for award consideration. | Awarded by VanderCook's Admissions Committee. | Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 3.25 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. Full-time Master's and Certification or TCEP students must earn a 3.75 semester GPA. |
| Jacob Bass Scholarship | $250 | Undergraduate with priority consideration given to a low brass (trombone, euphonium or tuba) player. | Awarded by selection of faculty committee. | This is a one-time award and is non-renewable. |
| Richard Brittain Memorial Scholarship | $250-500 | Undergraduate student. | Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. | Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. |
| William Carroll Memorial Scholarship | $500-1,000 | Full-time undergraduates. | Awarded by the Admissions Committee. | Renewable (4-year limit) provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 3.0 GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. |
| Kaye Clements Flute Scholarship | $500-1,000 | Undergraduate flute players. | Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. | Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. |
| Tom Drake - Joliet American Legion Band Scholarship | $1,000 | Junior undergraduate. | Nominations are made by faculty and staff members and are based on merit. | This is a one-time award and is not renewable. |
| Merle Isaac Scholarship | $2,500 | Undergraduate student at a sophomore or higher level. | Nominations are made by faculty and staff members and are based on merit. | This award is not automatically renewable, but students may be considered for this award more than once. |
| Kevin Lepper Scholarship | $250 | Undergraduate percussion player. | Awarded by selection of faculty committee. | This is a one-time award and is non-renewable. |
| Iris & Morton Manus Scholarship | $500-1,000 | Undergraduate students. Preference is given to students who are not Illinois residents. | Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. | Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. |
| Keith R. Mardak Scholarship | $500-1,000 | Undergraduate students. Preference is given to students who are Wisconsin residents. | Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. | Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. |
| Joey Martorano Vocal Scholarship | One semester of private voice lessons. | First-year undergraduate instrument player. | Selected by Professor Martorano from students enrolled in MUS117 Vocal Techniques who demonstrate exemplary ability and proficiency. | This is a one-time award and is non-renewable. |
| Armond & Ann Menghini Scholarship | $500-1,000 | Undergraduate students. Must be a resident of Michigan. Preference is given to a wind or percussion player. | Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. | Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. |
| Eddie & Patty Oyer Percussion Scholarship | $250 | Junior percussion player. | Nominations are made by faculty and staff members and are based on merit. | This is a one-time award and is not renewable. |
| Lorraine Quinlan Scholarship | $500-1,000 | Undergraduate students. Preference is given to a student who attended and participated in a Catholic school band program. | Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. | Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. |
| Blake E. Wiener Woodwind Scholarship | $250-500 | Undergraduate third or fourth-year student on the instrumental track. Preference is given to a student who has exhibited leadership through action, a dedication to their craft, and a spirit of humor in all they do. | Nominations are made by faculty and staff members. | One-time award that is not renewable. |
| Ruth M. Wenger Scholarship | $500-1,000 | Undergraduate students. Preference is given to students who are not Illinois residents. | Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. | Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. |
| Wisconsin Alumni Scholarship | $250-500 | Undergraduate students. Students must be a resident of the state of Wisconsin. | Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. | Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. |
| Victor Zajec Memorial Scholarship | $1,000 | Must be a junior in good academic standing who exhibits traits necessary to be a successful music teacher. | Nominations are made by faculty and staff members and are based on merit. | This is a one-time award and is not renewable. |
| Richard & Armeda Leiby Scholarship | Varies | First-year undergraduate students with an interest in jazz and financial need. CPS graduates are preferred, but others are also eligible. | Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. | Renewable (4-year limit) provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 3.0 GPA, and participates in ensembles, as assigned. |
Giving Scholarships
Many of these scholarships have been established in memory of influential alumni or individuals who, along with their families, have been chosen to help sustain the legacy of VanderCook. The recipients of these awards are chosen in honor of these people and in the hopes they will continue to share their passion for music with their future students.
External Scholarships
By State
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Fiesta del Sol
General Music Scholarships
Other Potential Scholarships
Civic Organizations
Parent’s Employment
Student’s Employment
Applying for scholarships can seem challenging. Typically scholarship programs are intended to reward those individuals who have worked hard toward their chosen career path. Your application should demonstrate that you have the discipline, attention to detail and enthusiasm to make the scholarship donors proud they selected you.
Here are a few tips that will hopefully make your application stand out from the crowd:
- Apply locally. You have the best chance for success at the local level. A national competition may attract thousands.
- Follow directions. By not following directions your application may be dismissed. Did you meet the GPA requirements?
- Write and then rewrite your essay. This is your opportunity to give donors a chance to know you and your goals better. Address all questions given.
- Assemble the packet. Prepare a neat application. It will show donors you pay attention to detail. Make sure your letters of recommendation are current. It is helpful to put the papers in the order requested (example: application on top, followed by letters of recommendation, then your essay).
The optimal time to apply for most scholarships is late winter to early spring.
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