By: Karen Kerr
College is expensive. Music school can be even more so — with added costs for lessons, instruments, competitions, and travel. For students pursuing a career in music, scholarships aren’t optional; they’re essential.
But with limited funding and high competition, it’s not enough to be talented. You need to be prepared — especially when facing the scholarship application and interview process.
This guide answers common scholarship questions music students and their families have, and helps you understand what it takes to stand out when it counts.
Why Scholarships Matter More Than Ever
Music scholarships are competitive. Most colleges and conservatories have more qualified applicants than they do funding. Many programs offer a mix of merit-based, need-based, and music talent-based awards, but music departments tend to prioritize students who demonstrate both artistic promise and professional potential. Beyond easing the financial burden, scholarships can influence admissions decisions. A strong application — backed by a great audition and a compelling interview — can tip the scale in your favor.
What Scholarship Committees Are Looking For
Committees aren’t just evaluating your résumé. They’re assessing:
- Your musical ability (usually through recorded and/or live auditions).
- Your academic readiness.
- Your fit for the program’s culture and values.
- Your clarity of purpose — where you’re headed and why.
Some committees include faculty from the music department; others may involve admissions officers or external reviewers. Either way, your application should tell a cohesive story of who you are and what drives you.
Common Scholarship Questions (And Tips for Answering)
Whether on the application form or in an interview, certain questions tend to come up again and again. Being ready with clear, concise responses can give you an edge.
1. Why do you want to study music at the college level?
Avoid generic answers like “music is my passion.” Instead, explain what studying music means to you long-term — what you hope to achieve artistically and professionally. What do you personally derive from the study, playing, composing, and producing of music?
2. What sets you apart from other applicants?
Talk about your unique path, your influences, or how you’ve created or contributed to music in your community. What have you achieved that you are particularly proud of?
3. What challenges have you faced in your musical journey?
Scholarship reviewers want to see resilience. Whether it’s balancing school and practice or overcoming a personal hardship, highlight how you handled it and what you learned. How will that experience make you a better student, musician, and person in the future?
4. How will this scholarship impact your future?
Be honest. If the scholarship would make music school financially viable for your family, say so. If it will give you the freedom to focus fully on your craft, explain why that matters.
Preparing for the Scholarship Interview
If your scholarship process includes a live or virtual interview, treat it as seriously as your audition.
First, research the school or organization offering the scholarship. Know their values. Are they focused on access? Diversity in the arts? Classical excellence? Modern or unique approaches to music production or performance? Show how your goals align.
Then, practice speaking clearly about your experiences. You don’t need to memorize scripts — but you should rehearse your talking points. Have a music teacher, advisor – including Inside Music Schools, or a trusted adult conduct simulated interviews and give you honest feedback.
Dress appropriately, even on Zoom. Be professional, respectful, and focused. Interviews are not the time to be overly casual or vague.
Answering Scholarship Questions with Confidence (Even When You’re Nervous)
Nerves are normal — but preparation helps. Use this strategy to keep your answers structured:
Situation–Task–Action–Result (STAR)
This method is especially useful when describing challenges or achievements. For example:
“In my junior year, I was asked to lead our jazz combo after the director stepped down (Situation). I had to coordinate rehearsals and choose repertoire (Task). I created weekly practice goals and took feedback from the group (Action). We ended up winning a statewide competition (Result).”
Be specific. Committees remember stories, not vague claims.
If you get a curveball question, pause, take a breath, and think. It’s okay to take a few seconds to gather your thoughts. Don’t rush — clarity beats speed. You can even repeat the question out loud to allow yourself to fully comprehend and plan your answer.
Making a Strong Impression Beyond the Scholarship Interview
Scholarship decisions are influenced by more than your answers.
If you’ve had conversations with faculty, admissions counselors, or recruiters — follow up. A short, thoughtful thank-you email can go a long way. It shows maturity, professionalism, and reinforces your interest.
Stay organized. Submit materials on time. Label your audition recordings clearly. Respond to emails promptly. These small details build your reputation as a serious applicant and a person who can be counted on to follow directions.
And remember: letters of recommendation matter. Choose recommenders who know you well as both a musician and a person. A generic letter from a famous name won’t help as much as a meaningful letter from someone who’s watched you grow.
Gain Confidence for Music School Interviews and Auditions
At Inside Music Schools, we guide students through every step of the college music application process — from school selection to portfolio development, interviews, and audition prep. Along the way, students gain clarity, direction, and confidence in their craft, which can make all the difference when it’s time to compete for spots (and scholarships!).
Karen Kerr
An accomplished professional with over 28 years of experience in higher education, admissions, and recruitment, Karen has always made her goal finding the best-fit school for student musicians. Most recently, she served as the Director of Admission and Recruitment at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, where she was responsible for recruitment, auditions/interviews, and admissions of all undergraduate and graduate applicants. Prior to joining the Frost School, she was part of the admissions staff at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance where she reviewed applications at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.