Music Scholarshipsup to $25,000 annually (up to $100,000 over four years)

Music scholarships support students continuing their participation in music at Gustavus. Students do not need to major or minor within the department to qualify for or maintain the scholarship.

Music scholarship names, amounts, and competitiveness vary based on your musical talents and those of your potential future classmates.

  • Gustavus Music Scholarship (up to $2,000 annually; up to $8,000 over four years) 
  • The Bjorling Music Scholarship (up to $4,000 annually; up to $16,000 over four years) 
  • Gustavus Select Music Scholarship ($12,500 annually; $50,000 over four years)
    • for Jazz, Band, and Orchestra
    • for Choir
    • for Keyboard
    • for Future Educators
  • Gustavus Premier Music Scholarship ($25,000 annually; $100,000 over four years)

To Apply:

When you apply for a music scholarship, you will be considered for all scholarship levels. After reviewing all applications and auditions, we will notify scholarship recipients of the name and amount of their award. You may apply for a music scholarship in multiple performance areas (i.e., you may submit one application for voice and another application for piano). Separate applications, auditions, and résumés must be submitted for each performance area.

Students may apply for a music scholarship after applying for admission and receiving access to their Gustavus Applicant Portal. For full consideration, apply for the music scholarship by the Priority Deadline of December 1, 2024. If you apply after receiving a financial aid offer, your overall offer may be adjusted.

To Audition:

Submit your virtual audition on your Gustavus Applicant Portal by sharing a link to an UNLISTED YouTube video recording of your performance. Auditions will consist of two contrasting pieces by different composers, totaling not more than ten minutes, that demonstrate expressive and technical skills.

To Maintain:

Renewal of the scholarship requires participation in music lessons and a department approved performing ensemble (listed below).

Vocal: Gustavus Choir, Chapel Choir, Lucia Singers

Band: Gustavus Wind Orchestra, Gustavus Wind Symphony

Orchestra: Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra (string orchestra)

Jazz: Gustavus Jazz Ensemble, Adolphus Jazz Ensemble

Applicants will receive communication from the Music Department Chair after they have chosen Gustavus.