Music scholarships

Bluffton University offers two types of music scholarships, one for music majors and one for music participants majoring in another field. 

Both types of music scholarships are based on an audition and interview with the music faculty. In order to be awarded a music scholarship, recipients must have applied and been accepted at Bluffton University.

  1. Music Major Scholarship: Awarded to new students, music majors only. The maximum award is $2,000 annually and all instruments and voice parts are encouraged to apply.
  2. Music Ensemble Scholarship: Awarded to new students, non-music majors. The maximum award is $1,000 annually and all instruments and voice parts are encouraged to apply.

  

Scholarship audition dates

Auditions for music major or music ensemble scholarships for students entering Bluffton in fall 2012 will be held on Feb. 9 and Feb. 24, 2012.

Application procedure

Audition procedures

  • Schedule an audition time with Mark Suderman.
  • Plan to perform two works of contrasting character. For instrumentalists this could include a fast and slow work, and/or pieces from different historical eras; vocalists may choose to perform one of their pieces in a foreign language.
  • Audition music should not exceed ten minutes.
  • You are encouraged to bring your own accompanist. In the event this is not possible, please contact Dr. Suderman to make arrangements for an on-campus accompanist.
  • A videotape of the audition may be made for purposes of adjudication.
  • Dress appropriately for the performance and interview.
  • Your audition is limited to two instruments - but be sure to tell us about other instruments you play!
  • Detailed audition requirements and additional helpful hints to help prepare for your audition.
Renewal of award
Scholarships are renewable for an additional six semesters after the first year, as long as the following requirements are met:
  • Grade point average of 2.5 is maintained.
  • Positive participation in the appropriate choral and/or instrumental ensembles each semester.
Deadlines
We encourage you to audition early. Awards will be made through March 1. After March 1, please contact Mark Suderman or Jodi Diller for scholarship availability.
Many endowed music scholarships make this financial support possible for music scholarships.