Scholarships

Whatever your major, you can apply for a wide range of music scholarships at Calvin. 

We offer a robust music scholarship program that is tailored to serve students at each stage of their academic careers. Several named and endowed scholarships are designated for students who are in their second, third, and fourth year of study. We also offer a limited number of scholarships to first-year students who demonstrate solid musicianship and articulate a desire to meaningfully participate in department lessons and/or ensembles.   

Music scholarships are open to all Calvin students, regardless of major. All interested students must submit an online application by January 31.  

• Scholarships for Incoming Students (First-year)

  Calvin scholarships for first-year students are available for:  

  • Composition 
  • Guitar 
  • Instrumental (Brass, Strings, Woodwinds) 
  • Organ 
  • Percussion 
  • Piano
  • Voice 

  Some scholarships require students to take private lessons in the area of the award and most require participation in an appropriate faculty-directed ensemble for the duration of the scholarship. 

  While other institutions hold live auditions, Calvin University requires recorded auditions so that every applicant, from anywhere in the world, will receive equal consideration. Prospective students are also encouraged to visit our campus, sit in on our classes or rehearsals, and even schedule a lesson with one of our instructors; simply contact the admissions office at www.calvin.edu/admissions/visit or 1-800-688-0122.  

  How to apply: 

  1. Complete your application for admission to Calvin University (calvin.edu/apply).  

  1. Complete the music scholarship application online form at calvin.academicworks.com. Provide YouTube link(s) to audition recording(s). Note: auditions should be recorded live and in video format.  

  Only complete application received by January 31 will receive full consideration.  

  All music scholarship applications and performance auditions are carefully reviewed by Calvin music faculty. Awards are based upon the level of musicianship and demonstrated interest to contribute to enriching musical life within the Calvin community. Notification of the results for scholarship awards will be mailed to applicants by early March.  

• Scholarships for Returning & Transfer Students

  Calvin music scholarships are available for:  

  • Composition 
  • Guitar 
  • Instrumental (Brass, Strings, Woodwinds) 
  • Organ 
  • Percussion 
  • Piano 
  • Voice 

  Some scholarships require students to take private lessons in the area of the award and most require participation in an appropriate faculty-directed ensemble for the duration of the scholarship. 

  All students must submit an application through Academic Works. Performance auditions are only required for students who did not submit a recording as an incoming (First-year) student.  

  All music scholarship applications and supporting performance auditions are carefully reviewed by Calvin music faculty. Awards are based upon the level of musicianship and demonstrated interest to contribute to enriching musical life within the Calvin community. Notification of the results for scholarship awards will be distributed to applicants by mid-April. 

• Audition Guidelines

  All performance auditions should be video-recorded live and uploaded to YouTube. The online scholarship application will have a section in which you can provide links to recording(s). Need help? Refer to this page for information on uploading videos to YouTube. 

  Composition 

  Two compositions (ideally in contrasting styles), uploaded to YouTube (video OR audio recordings are acceptable). Scores, lead sheets, and/or lyrics for both recorded compositions (in PDF format) must also be submitted. Applicants must also submit a one-page written narrative (in PDF format) describing yourself and your music that includes: 1) a description of your experience with composition thus far (Have you taken lessons? If so, for how long? How much work have you done as a composer?); a short program note explaining the central idea and/or history behind each of your submitted compositions.  

  Guitar 

  Duration: 10 minutes maximum 

  Repertoire: two compositions representing contrasting styles (One piece should be originally written for guitar, while the other could be a transcription. One piece may be in jazz or a popular style.) 

  Instrumental (Brass, Strings, Woodwinds) 

  Duration: 10 minutes maximum 

  Repertoire: two contrasting selections from: 1) a movement from a sonata, concerto, or comparable composition; 2) a solo piece appropriate for high school solo and ensemble festival; or 3) a standard solo etude 

  Piano accompaniment: optional 

  Organ  

  Duration: 10 minutes maximum 

  Repertoire: two contrasting selections—one should be a composition by J.S. Bach (i.e., Chorale Prelude or Prelude and/or Fugue) and the other should be a composition from a different style period (i.e., if the Bach work is meditative, then this piece should be vigorous) 

  Percussion  

  Duration: 10 minutes maximum 

  Repertoire: two contrasting selections on any of the following instruments: snare drum (rudimental or concert), timpani, or keyboard (marimba, vibraphone, xylophone). Both selections may be performed on the same instrument, but demonstrating abilities on different instruments is encouraged.  

  Piano 

  Duration: 10 minutes maximum 

  Repertoire: two contrasting selections from: 1) a Baroque work (i.e., Sinfonia or Prelude and Fugue by J.S. Bach); 2) a fast movement from a sonata by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven; 3) a Romantic work (i.e., Chopin, Brahms, Schumann); or 4) an Impressionistic or 20th/21st-century work 

  Voice 

  Duration: 10 minutes maximum 

  Repertoire: two songs of contrasting styles that best demonstrate musicality, tone, tempo, and technique. Contest and/or other solo performance pieces are most appropriate. Examples include: 1) an art song, opera aria or oratorio in English or a foreign language (i.e., Schubert’s “Die schöne Müllerin,” Vivaldi’s “Un certo non so che,” Barber’s “Sure on this Shining Night”); 2) a selection from music theatre repertoire (i.e., “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables, “Defying Gravity” from Wicked); and 3) a selection of your choice, including an arrangement of a hymn, gospel song, popular song, or jazz standard (i.e., “Go Tell It On the Mountain,” “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” “Blue Skies”). 

  Piano Accompaniment: highly encouraged 

Available scholarships

1. NAME
   AMOUNT
   CLASS
   GPA
2. Baker, Kenneth E. and Jean Mathematics and Music Scholarship
   $2,100
   SO/JR/SR
   2.50
3. Broekhuizen, Janice Music Scholarship
   $3,600
   JR/SR
   3.10
4. Broersma, Jean C. Scholarship
   $4,100
   SO/JR/SR
   2.50
5. Bruggink, Arlene and Ray Music Scholarship
   $3,600
   SO
   2.50
6. Bruinsma, Henry Family Scholarship
   $1,900
   JR/SR
   2.50
7. Cayvan, Llewellyn L. String Instrument Scholarship
   $2,510
   FR/SO/JR/SR
   2.50
8. Covenant Renewal Scholarship for Worship Leaders
   $2,500
   FR/SO/JR/SR
   2.80
9. DeJonge, James J. and Helen A. Voice Scholarship
   $3,600
   JR/SR
   3.00
10. Dekker, Andrea Meeter Memorial Scholarship
    $2,500
    FR
    2.50
11. DeVries Church Music Award
    $1,200
    FR/SO/JR/SR
    2.50
12. Dragt, Alexander and Lavonne Family Scholarship
    $5,100
    FR
    3.50
13. Feringa, Harold and Louise Music Scholarship
    $8,160
    FR/SO/JR/SR
    2.50
14. Friends of Music Scholarship
    varies
    FR/SO/JR/SR
    2.50
15. Galema, Joseph Music Scholarship
    $1,900
    SO/JR/SR
    2.50
16. Geerdes, Harold and Gladys String Scholarship
    $2,100
    SO/JR/SR
    2.50
17. Gezon, Helene Hekman Voice Scholarship
    $2,500
    JR/SR
    2.50
18. Goguen, Allene Huizenga Music Scholarship
    $4,810
    FR/SO/JR/SR
    2.50
19. Haan, Trena Voice Scholarship
    $2,300
    SO/JR/SR
    2.50
20. Hamersma, John E. and June B. Organ Scholarship
    $1,640
    FR/SO/JR/SR
    2.50
21. Hofman, Leonard J. and H. Elaine Music Scholarship
    $2,220
    SO/JR/SR
    3.00
22. Houskamp, Marge Organ Scholarship
    $2,520
    FR/SO/JR/SR
    3.20
23. Kuipers Family Wind Ensemble Scholarship
    $2,200
    JR
    2.50
24. Molenhouse, Hets Music Scholarship
    $3,700
    SO/JR/SR
    3.00
25. Nobel, Tom and Marcia Music Scholarship
    $7,100
    FR
    3.00
26. Noordeloos, Norman and Anne Keyboard Award
    $3,620
    JR/SR
    2.50
27. Oratorio Society Applied Music Scholarship
    $1,000
    FR
    2.50
28. Pheifer, Bea and Terry Music Scholarship
    $3,600
    FR/SO/JR/SR
    2.50
29. Potts, Norine E. Scholarship
    $2,900
    FR/SO/JR/SR
    2.50
30. Rainbow Foundation Wind Scholarship
    $1,400
    JR/SR
    3.00
31. Reimer, Roy A. Memorial Scholarship
    $2,400
    FR/SO/JR/SR
    2.50
32. Rupke, Loren and Dian Music Scholarship
    $3,500
    JR/ SR
    3.00
33. Slenk, Howard J. Music Scholarship
    $7,200
    SO/JR/SR
    2.50
34. Swets, Seymour Voice Scholarship
    $3,900
    JR/SR
    2.50
35. Swierenga, John R. and Marie A. Brass Scholarship
    $2,550
    SO/JR/SR
    3.00
36. VanDellen, John and Doris Music Scholarship
    $3,220
    JR/SR
    2.50
37. VandenBosch, James and Maria Hiskes Fine Arts Scholarship
    $3,400
    JR/SR
    2.50
38. VandenBosch, Linda Schoon Music Scholarship
    $5,000
    FR/SO/JR/SR
    2.50
39. VanderBeek/Palma Piano Scholarship
    $4,000
    SO/JR/SR
    2.50
40. VanderGriend Voice Scholarship
    $3,200
    FR
    2.50
41. VanderHaagen Family Scholarship for Church Musicians
    $3,500
    JR/SR
    2.70
42. VanderHeide Voice Scholarship
    $2,900
    FR
    2.50
43. VanderZee, Judith Vroon Music Scholarship
    $6,200
    JR/SR
    3.00
44. Vrieland Family Business and Music Scholarship
    $4,000
    FR/SO/JR/SR
    3.00
45. Walhout, Clarence P. and Janice H. Scholarship
    $3,250
    JR/SR
    3.20
46. Warners, Lloyd and Arlene Family Keyboard Scholarship
    $2,700
    FR
    2.50
47. Wasmer, Edward and Nancy Family Scholarship
    $4,100
    JR/SR
    3.50
48. Wiebenga, Martin P. and Florence DeGraaff Scholarship
    $2,000
    SO/JR/SR
    3.00
49. Witte, Gayla R. Oratorio Scholarship
    $4,000
    SO/JR/SR
    3.00
50. Wyngaarden, Johanna Kempers Music Scholarship
    $5,300
    FR/SO/JR/SR
    2.50
51. Zandee, John and Betty Organ Music Scholarship
    $2,640
    SO/JR/SR
    2.70
52. Zylstra, Carol Lee Memorial Church Music Scholarship
    $5,600
    FR/SO/JR/SR
    2.50
53. Zylstra, Gerald and Adriana Piano Scholarship
    $8,000
    FR/SO/JR/SR
    2.50