Music Scholarship
Eligibility
High school seniors who meet the criteria for admission to Kenyon College are welcome to submit applications for this competition. Those wanting to be considered for music scholarships must submit their application by December 15. Students are not required to major in music, but will be expected to take private lessons on their major instrument and participate in department ensembles each semester. Normal department policies regarding lesson fees and fee waivers for music majors apply. Each scholarship ranges up to $12,000 per year and is renewable for four years as long as the student maintains an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and meets the requirements for lessons and ensembles. Subsequent auditions will not be necessary to renew the scholarship. All first-year applicants are eligible, including Early Decision applicants. Transfer students are not eligible. Winners of music scholarships will be announced on April 1.
Repertoire
Applicants will be allowed to submit recordings of two pieces for Round 1 of their audition. We strongly encourage students to choose two contrasting selections. Accompaniment from a piano or other instrument(s) is suggested but not required. Vocalists will be allowed to audition music from classical, musical theater, or popular genres. Instrumental jazz musicians should include recordings that include the original melody of the song as well as two to three choruses of improvisation. Jazz rhythm section players should demonstrate comping (piano, guitar) or basic groove (bass, drum) for two different styles. Students are encouraged to select works that demonstrate their highest level of technical skill and overall musicianship.
If you need any repertoire suggestions, please feel free to call Donna Maloney in the Department of Music. She will connect you with the professor in your area of musical talent. Her phone number is 740-427-5197. Her e-mail: maloneyd@kenyon.edu
Those students reaching the on-campus competition in Round 2 will be performing two selections. The first piece should be chosen from one of the works selected in Round 1. The second selection should be a different piece--one that was not submitted in Round 1.
Dates to Remember
Round 1: December 15, 2009 (submission of DVD or CD).
Notification of finalists: January 21, 2010.
Round 2: February 14, 2010 (on-campus)
Notification of scholarship winners: April 1, 2010.
Round 1 Procedure
To be considered for the scholarship, students must complete both a music scholarship application and Kenyon's admission application. DVDs are recommended; CDs or YouTube links will be considered. Students are encouraged to use an accompanist with the recording. The DVD or CD should be postmarked by December 15, 2009, and mailed directly to the Office of Admissions:
Kenyon College Office of Admissions
Music Scholarship Competition/sdb
Ransom Hall
Gambier, OH 43022
DVDs or CDs should have the following information printed clearly on the case:
- Student's name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number
- Instrument or vocal part
- Pieces of work, including composer and title
All submissions will become property of Kenyon College. Students auditioning on more than one instrument/voice should submit one DVD or CD for each instrument/voice.
Round 2 Procedure:
Students will receive notification by Thursday, January 21, 2010 of their status. Students will need to notify Kenyon College by Friday, January 22, of their decision to come to campus for Round 2.
Students will be asked to audition for 15 minutes on the campus of Kenyon College. Applicants will be judged by faculty of the Music Department. This competition will not be open to public.
Kenyon College will provide airfare for students who must fly to campus for Round 2. We will provide an accompanist. Students who wish to bring their own accompanist may do so, but Kenyon College will not be able to provide transportation for accompanists.
Each year, judges will select up to three winners, as well as alternates. In the event that a student does not accept the scholarship, one of the alternates will be selected. All judges' decisions are final.
Scholarship announcements will be made by April 1, 2010.