Undergraduate Scholarships

The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music awards numerous talent-based performance scholarships each year to entering freshmen.  All music scholarship awards are based on a combination of talent level (as identified by audition) and ensemble or studio needs. Early application is strongly encouraged. School of Music scholarships are renewable for up to four years and require full-time enrollment during Fall and Spring semesters. Students applying for School of Music scholarships must audition, apply to the University, submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT results to the University by March 1.

The Distinguished Performance in Music Scholarship is awarded to students with distinguished performance ability and potential.  Candidates will be invited to return to campus to audition for this award based on the initial audition. This prestigious scholarship is awarded to a limited number of students each year and provides the following benefits: in-state enrollment fees,out-of-state enrollment fees, campus meal plan allowance, campus housing allowance, yearly book allowance.

Priority consideration will be given for out-of-state fees for non-resident awardees.  All HOPE scholarship funds awarded will be applied to the Distinguished Performance in Music award package for in-state students.  Students must apply for and receive HOPE funding to receive full benefits listed.

The Outstanding Music Performance Scholarship is awarded to students with outstanding performance ability and potential as identified through audition. It is awarded to a limited number of students each year and provides in-state enrollment fees.  The award will be deposited into the student’s account at the beginning of each semester. The scholarship award applies to enrollment fees only and does not cover applied lesson fees or special lab or course fees.  HOPE scholarship funds, if awarded to the student, will be used for payment of other fees associated with the cost of attendance. On-campus housing is encouraged to provide each scholarship student with social and scholarly activity opportunities that promote academic success.  Priority consideration will be given for out-of-state fees for non-resident awardees.

The Music Performance Scholarship is awarded to students with excellent performance ability and potential as identified through audition. It is awarded to a limited number of students each year and provides one-half the cost of in-state enrollment fees.  The award will be deposited into the student’s account at the beginning of each semester.  The scholarship award applies to enrollment fees only and does not cover applied lesson fees or special lab or course fees.  Hope scholarship funds, if awarded to the student, will be applied to the balance of enrollment fees and any remaining amount may be used for payment of other fees associated with the cost of attendance. On-campus housing is encouraged to provide each scholarship student with social and scholarly activity opportunities that promote academic success. 

The Director’s Scholarship is awarded to a limited number of students each year who qualify for other General University Distinguished Scholarship programs and provides an additional $2,500 ($1,250 per semester) to be used for payment of any fees associated with the cost of attendance.  The award will be deposited into the student’s account at the beginning of each semester.

The Private Study Scholarship is awarded to outstanding performers who are not awarded any other music scholarships. It is awarded to a limited number of students each year and provides $250 per semester to be used for applied fees.  The award will be deposited into the student’s account at the beginning of each semester.

Mighty Sound of the South Scholarships are awarded to students for performance as Colorguard members, Tigerette members, Marching Band Musicians, and Pep Band Musicians. Students are awarded varying amounts depending on the type of assignment.  Awards are for one semester and are renewable based on the needs of the band program.  The award will be deposited into the student’s account at the beginning of the semester.  Please contact the Band Office at (901) 678-2263 for further information.

Out-of-State Fees Award for Outstanding Performance

For a limited number of students who audition and who are not residents of the State of Tennessee, the School of Music may award the out-of-state portion of enrollment fees.

Renewal of scholarships is based on a number of criteria including fulfilling assigned ensemble requirements, maintaining progress toward a degree, and maintaining a GPA of 2.5. All awards are subject to reduction based on state appropriation of scholarship funding. The 2007-2008 Academic Year enrollment fees are as follows: in-state — $2901 per semester; out-of-state — $8315 per semester.

For information on other U of M Scholarships see http://www.enrollment.memphis.edu/scholarships/index.html.

Tennesee residents are encouraged to read about the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program (Hope Scholarships).  Go to http://www.enrollment.memphis.edu/scholarships/hope-forms.html.

Students who reside in Tate, Marshall, DeSoto, Tunica, and Crittenden counties may be eligible for in-state tuition; see http://www.enrollment.memphis.edu/admissions/applications/msa/.

Out-of-state students should review Academic Common Market opportunities at: http://www.cep.unt.edu/acm.html.

Out-of-state students should review benefits and eligibility of the Non-Resident Honors Student Award which requires application and acceptance. See http://honors.memphis.edu/.