Music Scholarship Guidelines

2009-2010 Academic Year

The Music Department of Sonoma State University is pleased to announce an open competition for scholarships in Music for the academic year 2009-2010.   Scholarships from $500 to $2500 per year will be offered for all band and orchestral instruments, piano, voice and composition.  The department does not offer graduate scholarships.

I.              Application Materials: Applicants for Music Scholarships must submit ALL of the following materials.   These materials must be postmarked or hand-delivered no later than Friday, February 13, 2009 by 4pm in order to be considered.
 
           A.    A written statement of approximately one page, typewritten, double-spaced, on your musical background (specify what instrument or area you are auditioning in) and career goals.   Show how your academic career is aimed at furthering those goals.
 
           B.   Two letters of recommendation from persons who know your musical background and potential (parents or friends not included).   Recommenders should be identified by title or their relationship to you.   Current SSU students must have one letter of recommendation from an SSU music faculty member.
 
          C.   Transcripts for the two most recent academic years.   Students currently in residence at SSU may request that a transcript from their files in the Music Department be appended to the application.   PLEASE NOTE:   A student's GPA will be a factor in the selection process.  Please submit materials to:

Music Department Scholarship Committee
Sonoma State University
1801 East Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA94928

II.            Auditions: An audition at Sonoma State University is required for all applicants living within 250 miles of the campus.   Auditions will be held on campus, Saturday, March 14, 2009 in Ives Hall (Ives101 and Ives 119) .  Applicants living more than 250 from campus may submit a CD recording.  Applicants in composition must send a score and a taped performance of an original work.
   
The audition will be no longer than ten minutes in length.   Prepare two pieces in contrasting styles that can be performed within the 10-minute limit.   An accompanist will be provided for classical performers.   Jazz performers may bring back-up musicians or a play-along tape or CD.

NOTE :   It is important that you audition on the instrument on which you are most proficient and perform works that show you at your best.   If you have any questions about your audition, consult with a member of the music faculty.

To schedule your audition, call the Music Department office after March 1, 2009.    The office is open from 8:00AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday.   The phone number is (707) 664-2235.   The scholarship awards will be announced by April 15, 2009.  

Conditions of scholarship acceptance:

  1. Residency requirement
  2. Minimum music course load (6 units/semester)
  3. Active participation in required ensembles
  4. Attendance at Scholarship Award Ceremony
  5. Four-year maximum of support for freshmen; three for transfer students; five for full-time credential students

The following are named scholarships awarded each year (if an area is not stipulated, the award is given at the discretion of the Committee).

  • Demetrio and Theresa Jeffry Scholarship
  • John and Peggy Donovan-Jeffrey Scholarship in Opera Theatre
  • Carolyn Lewis Memorial Scholarship
  • Tamara Loring Scholarship
  • Vesta Jelte Music Scholarship
  • Arthur Carl Mammen Memorial Scholarship in Chamber Music
  • Marvin Olson Memorial Endowment in Piano
  • Evert B. Person Scholarship
  • Kathleen Roth Cello Scholarship
  • Roxy Roth Violin Scholarship
  • Larry A. and Zilpha K. Snyder Scholarship
  • Pierce Thompson Memorial Scholarship
  • World of Carpets Scholarship in Brass

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD 2009-2010 MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION (PDF)