Music Scholarships

Instrumental Scholarships

Band scholarships are awarded based on playing ability at a live audition. They do not require a major in music. Auditions are based on the current set of Arkansas All-Region tryout material, scales, and sight-reading. Scholarships are awarded at full, 3/4, or 1/2, tuition. Scholarship auditions are scheduled on an individual basis by calling the Director of Bands (Dr. Timothy Oliver), or the specific instrument instructor. Auditions may be scheduled at the convenience of the student, but should be done at the earliest date possible.

Interested students should contact Dr. Timothy Oliver.

Keyboard Scholarships

Lily Peter Keyboard Scholarship

• Recipient must be a keyboard major.
• Awarded annually.
• Amount varies ($500-$2500/year or $250-$1250/semester.)
• Award is based on talent and performance in audition.
• In order to maintain scholarship, recipient must maintain satisfactory progress in their major performance area and provide service to the department in the form of accompanying or other duties as assigned by the Keyboard Area Coordinator.
• Selection is decided by piano faculty.

W. J. Beard Memorial Keyboard Scholarship

• Amount varies, up to $1,000/year or $500/semester.
• Students must be freshman or currently enrolled students planning to major in or
• majoring in piano or organ.
• Other areas of musical involvement desired.
• 3.0 GPA.
• Consideration is given to potential and desire if 3.0 GPA is not quite achieved.
• In order to maintain scholarship, the recipient must continue to meet the outlined
• criteria and is at the discretion of the committee, and must provide service to the
• department in the form of accompanying or other duties as assigned by the Keyboard Area Coordinator.
• Selection is decided by piano and organ faculty members.

Janna Lambert Keyboard Scholarship

• Amount varies, $200-$700/year or $100-$350/semester.
• Must be an incoming freshman music major.
• Must be majoring in piano or organ as his/ her performance concentration.
• Must have at least a 20 ACT score.
• Must play a memorized audition for the keyboard faculty.
• Recipient should have reached a proficiency level at least equal to that of the Sonata
• in G major, Op. 79 by Beethoven.

• Recipient should provide service to the department in the form of accompanying or other duties as assigned by the Keyboard Area Coordinator.
• Selection is decided by the keyboard scholarship committee.

String Scholarships

In 1996 a scholarship program was established to assist string students in the orchestra. The program is funded by donations to the Aileen Matthews String Scholarship Fund. Scholarship money is available to both music majors and students majoring in other fields. Students are eligible by audition and must participate in orchestra as well as enroll in private lessons.

Interested student should contact Dr. Neale Bartee.

VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS 2013

Saturday, March 9, 2013, 11:00 a.m.
Fine Arts Building, Recital Hall 

Auditions are open to students who plan to be voice majors (either vocal performance or vocal music education) in the Fall Semester of 2012. Scholarships will range from $1,200 to a maximum award of $3300 per semester. Selection of recipients will be by audition-only before the Arkansas State University voice faculty with criteria based on vocal potential, musicianship and scholarship.

Students wishing to audition for voice scholarships (music majors) should prepare two contrasting solos. At least one song should be from the classical repertoire, and one of the selections may be from musical theatre repertoire.

All auditions must utilize piano accompaniment. No recorded accompaniments will be accepted. If a pianist is needed, one will be provided by Arkansas State University if copies of music selections are sent with the application or one week prior to audition. Those using an ASU accompanist will be assigned a rehearsal time upon receipt of application.

Students wishing to audition must complete the application form, enclose teacher recommendation, and return no later than March 2, 2013. Click here for application form.

These should be returned to:
Dr. Dale Miller, Director of Choral Activities 
Music Department - Arkansas State University 
PO Box 779 
State University, AR 72467 
phone: 870.972.3749, or FAX: 870.972.3932 
email: rdmiller@astate.edu

Donald R. Minx Scholarship

$750 Annually

Criteria for selection:

• Student must be Junior status
• May be a music major but not necessary for applying
• Strong musical and academic achievements
• Community service
• Service to music at ASU
• Other Information
• Only achievements and/or honors which have been accomplished while in college will be considered
• An interview will be conducted by Mrs. Ginny Minx after the applications have been submitted
• Awarded annually

L.H. Sternheimer Family Scholarship

$800 Annually

Criteria for selection :

Jonesboro High School graduating senior with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 with intentions of enrolling in Arkansas State University the following fall semester 
The order of preference for selection is: first, to a double major in keyboard and vocal music; second, to a major in keyboard; third, to a major in vocal music; fourth, to a major in general music. 
In the event there is no qualified incoming freshman, then the scholarship may be awarded to any sophomore, junior, or senior level graduate of Jonesboro High School who otherwise qualifies. 
Recipient should demonstrate citizenship as evidenced by sound moral character, good social-emotional adjustment and participation in extracurricular activity.

Other Information

Award is $400 per semester for one academic year, provided funds are available. The award may increase as funds are available. 
In order to maintain scholarship, the recipient must be a full time student (12 or more credit hours) and must maintain a 3.0 GPA 
The selection is made by the Department of Music Scholarship Committee. 
Financial Aid at Arkansas State University will send a copy of the award letter to the Jonesboro High School Counselor. The Department of Music will represent ASU at the JHS Music Awards Night Program to present a certificate. A brochure containing biographical sketches and photographs of the L.H. Sternheimer Family shall be distributed at the Awards Night Program and made available to the appropriate university departments.

John H. and Irene N. Neeley Memorial Music Scholarship

$3,000 annually

Criteria for selection :

• Junior or senior music major
• Minimum of a 3.0 GPA
• Must be from Jonesboro or Western Poinsett County area
• Applications are considered according to scholastic achievement, musical talent, and dedication to the study of music, citizenship, and financial need.
• Other Information
• One award of $3,000 annually

Julia Lansford Vocal Scholarship

Criteria for selection:

• Vocal music major
• Junior or senior level
• Current member of ASU choirs
• Maintain a 3.0 or better overall grade point average
• Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Education degree path

Applications to be made to a committee of the ASU vocal faculty, Dale Miller or current director of Choral Activities serving as permanent chair. Committee will recommend several outstanding applicants. Each applicant will perform for the committee and Mrs. Lansford at a time set by the committee. Winner will be selected by the committee and Mrs. Lansford. Award will be for two semesters. Winners may reapply for the scholarship for the next year.

Alfred R. Skoog Choral Scholarship

Criteria for Selection :

• Graduate Student Majoring in Choral Conducting or Choral Music Education.
• Maintain a 3.0 or better GPA.
• Preference given to Former students of Mr. Alfred Skoog or ASU graduates.