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Where the most Inspired Musicians
become the most Inspiring Music Teachers

VanderCook College of Music

Music Scholarships & Grants

In keeping with our founders’ philosophy that music education should be available to anyone, VanderCook College of Music is committed to maintaining affordable, competitive tuition.  VCM awards financial assistance to 100% of its full-time undergraduate students.  Our Financial Aid staff works to maximize aid through scholarships, grants, and loans.

Internal Scholarships

VanderCook offers a wide variety of institutional scholarships and grants which come in the form of Talent Awards, Need-Based Grants, and various named scholarships. VanderCook’s financial aid team will put together packages designed with each students’ specific strengths, goals and needs in mind.

To find a full list of scholarships, please visit the Financial Aid Handbook pgs. 8-12.

  • Scholarships are awarded based on talent, academic success, need, and potential
  • Scholarships are annual awards and may be renewable each year if the student meets and maintains basic criteria
  • Institutional aid is awarded in addition to state and federal financial aid packages that students may receive
  • Other assistance may be available for highly motivated future music educators
  • Additional opportunities may be available for those playing specialty instruments

Institutional Assistance

VanderCook Scholars ProgramHigh school seniors looking to turn their passion for music into a career may be eligible for this four-year FREE tuition scholarship.

Teach Music 4 Chicago ProgramHigh school seniors enrolled in a Chicago public or private school who desire to pursue a career in music education and want to live and work in the City of Chicago upon graduation may be eligible for this four-year FREE tuition scholarship.

Talent Scholarship
Future Teacher Grant
H.E. Nutt Academic Excellence Grant
Dean’s List Grant
VanderCook Need Grant
VanderCook Work
VanderCook Alumni Association Scholarship
Esprit de Corps Award
James E. Clark Scholarship
Lew and Gerry Schmidt Scholarship
Wisconsin Music Educators Scholarship
Bill Kalbreier Scholarship
The Maurice T. & Ruth A. Rhodes Scholarship for Wind Players
The Herman D. Smith Memorial Scholarship
Lew and Gerry Schmidt Instrumental Music Education Scholarship
Choral Leaders Scholarship

(Please refer to the guide to grants, scholarships and loans below for more complete information on these assistance programs.)

Grants

A grant is a type of gift aid that does not need to be paid back. The amount awarded is usually based on financial need and is generally provided by the federal government, state government or VanderCook College of Music.

VanderCook Future Teacher Grant

A grant is a type of gift aid that does not need to be paid back. The amount awarded is usually based on financial need and is generally provided by the federal government, state government or VanderCook College of Music.

Type Amount Who is eligible? How to Apply Other information
VanderCook Future Teacher Grant $500 for one year Transfer or new undergraduate students Awarded by Scholarship Committee Student is not eligible if admitted on musical or academic probation. Grant is given for the first year of attendance. It is not renewable.
VanderCook H.E. Nutt Academic Excellence Grant $1,000 annually First-time freshman students graduating with at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale are eligible. Students must also score a composite 22 on their ACT or 1,100 composite SAT score (reading plus math). Awarded by VanderCook's Admissions Committee. Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 3.0 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles as assigned.
VanderCook Need Grants $250-$2,000 annually Undergraduate students demonstrating financial need. Submit a FAFSA by December 1. Based on need according to VanderCook's Financial Aid Office. Awards are reviewed annually.
VanderCook Dean's List $200 per semester Full-time undergraduate students with a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher, and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Full-time masters & certification or TCEP students with a semester GPA of 3.8 or higher, and a cumulative of 3.0 or higher. Grade reports are automatically evaluated at the end of each term The award is applied to the following semester's tuition and fees.
VanderCook Legacy Award $1,000 Undergraduate, master's & certification and TCEP students who have had a VanderCook alumnus as a music teacher. Awarded by VanderCook's Admissions Committee. This grant automatically renews provided the student earns a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and maintains full-time status and participation in major ensembles as assigned.

Scholarships

A scholarship is a type of gift aid that rewards a student for grades, talent, financial need or a specific career interest. Scholarships do not typically need to be repaid, although some scholarships have program requirements and/or obligations. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions before you accept any money.

Type Amount Who is eligible? How to Apply Other information
The Glenn E. Holtz Scholarship for Aspiring Band Directors $1000 - $2000 per year Entering first year student (freshman or transfer) in the Undergraduate Instrumental Program. Entering Instrumental students are automatically considered for this award at the time of audition. Renewable
Bill Kalbreier Scholarship $1000 - $5000 Priority is given to an entering vocal major who shows promise of becoming an outstanding choral music educator. A returning student may be considered if funds are available All entering students who audition on voice are automatically considered for the award. The Scholarship Committee reviews candidates’ audition results, academic record, application essay and interview to determine the final candidate. The Director of Admissions and choral music education faculty may recommend that a candidate be considered for the award bit the Committee makes the final determination. This scholarship is renewable over four years.
VanderCook Talent Scholarship Up to $2,500 annually All undergraduate students. Award amounts are based on merit. Audition as part of the application process. A completed application to VanderCook is required to receive an award. This grant automatically renews provided the student earns a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and maintains full-time status and participation in major ensembles as assigned.
The Maurice T. & Ruth A. Rhodes Scholarship for Wind Players $2,000 Entering freshman woodwind or brass undergraduate student (with preference given to woodwind student) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and an ACT score of 22 or higher with writing. The recipient must pursue the BMEd degree and personify the disposition VanderCook seeks to nurture in its future teachers: strength in character, excellence in music, professionalism in teaching. The recipient must also have financial need. All entering students who audition on a wind instrument, meet the academic criteria and demonstrate financial need are automatically considered for the award. The Scholarship Committee may require a completed FAFSA Application before making their final selection. The Scholarship Committee reviews candidates’ audition results, academic record, application essay and interview to determine the final candidate. The Director of Admissions and wind music education faculty may recommend that a candidate be considered for the award bit the Committee makes the final determination. Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 3.0 semester GPA and participates in ensembles as assigned.
VanderCook James E. Clark Georgia Scholarship Up to $1,000 annually Students residing in the state of Georgia who demonstrate talent, financial need and a desire to become a music educator. Submit a FAFSA by December 1. Audition as part of the application process. A completed application to VanderCook is required to receive an award. Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles as assigned. Reviewed annually.
The Herman D. Smith Memorial Scholarship $500 African American undergraduate with an interest in teaching in Chicago Public Schools. Awarded by selection of faculty committee. All African American undergraduate students seeking admission to or in the BMEd program are automatically considered. The Scholarship Committee reviews candidates’ leadership, academic record, application essay and interview to determine the candidate most likely to pursue and succeed as a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools. The Director of Admissions and any member of the VanderCook faculty may recommend that a candidate be considered for the award but the Committee makes the final determination. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years.
Dr. Lewis and Gerry Schmidt Instrumental Music Education Scholarship $500 - $1,000 Undergraduate students. Preference is given to a student who is a resident of the state of Wisconsin. Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles as assigned.
VanderCook Alumni Association Award $1,000 This scholarship is awarded each spring to a junior-level student. Nominations are made by faculty and staff members and are based on merit. This is a one-time award and is not renewable.
VanderCook Esprit de Corps Award $250 This scholarship is awarded each spring to five students; one each at the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior level, as well as one masters & certification or TCEP candidate. Nominations are made by faculty and staff members and are based on merit. This is a one-time award and is not renewable.
Choral Leaders Scholarship Varies - GPA minimum of 3.0 - Sophomore or Junior - Exemplifies strength in character, professionalism in teaching, and excellence in music - Shows volunteerism in every regard - Has held or currently holds leadership positions throughout the school - Innovative in the classroom and out - Approachable and always willing to help - Passionate about teaching and music No application. Recipient selected by the choral/vocal faculty based on a review of all vocal students who meet the awarding criteria. Non-renewable. Awarded at the annual Prism Concert.
VanderCook Great Teacher $500-3,000 Undergraduate, master's & certification and TCEP students who display very high levels of academic excellence and musical ability are referred to the president for award consideration. Awarded by VanderCook's Admissions Committee. Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 3.0 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles as assigned. Full-time master and certification or TCEP students must earn a 3.75 semester GPA.
VanderCook President's Award $500-5,000 Undergraduate, master's & certification and TCEP students who display the highest levels of academic excellence and musical ability are referred to the president for award consideration. Awarded by VanderCook's Admissions Committee. Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 3.25 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles as assigned. Full-time master and certification or TCEP students must earn a 3.75 semester GPA.
Jacob Bass Scholarship $250 Undergraduate with priority consideration given to a low brad (trombone, euphonium or tuba) player. Awarded by selection of faculty committee. This is a one-time award and is non-renewable.
Richard Brittain Memorial Scholarship $250-500 Undergraduates. Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles as assigned.
William Carroll Memorial Scholarship $500-1,000 Full-time undergraduates. Awarded by the Admissions Committee. Renewable (4-year limit) provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 3.0 GPA, and participates in ensembles as assigned.
Kaye Clements Flute Scholarship $500-1,000 Undergraduate flute players. Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles as assigned.
Tom Drake - Joliet American Legion Band Scholarship $1,000 Junior undergraduate. Nominations are made by faculty and staff members and are based on merit. This is a one-time award and is not renewable.
Merle Isaac Scholarship $2,500 Undergraduate student at a sophomore or higher level. Nominations are made by faculty and staff members and are based on merit. This award is not automatically renewable, but students may be considered for this award more than once.
Kevin Lepper Scholarship $250 Undergraduate percussion player. Awarded by selection of faculty committee. This is a one-time award and is non-renewable.
Iris & Morton Manus Scholarship $500-1,000 Undergraduate students. Preference is given to students who are not Illinois residents. Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles as assigned.
Keith R. Mardak Scholarship $500-1,000 Undergraduate students. Preference is given to students who are Wisconsin residents. Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles as assigned.
Joey Martorano Vocal Scholarship One semester of private voice lessons. First-year undergraduate instrument player. Selected by Professor Martorano from students enrolled in MUS117 Vocal Techniques who demonstrate exemplary ability and proficiency. This is a one-time award and is non-renewable.
Armond & Ann Menghini Scholarship $500-1,000 Undergraduate students. Must be a resident of Michigan. Preference is given to a wind or percussion player. Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles as assigned.
Eddie & Patty Oyer Percussion Scholarship $250 Junior percussion player. Nominations are made by faculty and staff members and are based on merit. This is a one-time award and is not renewable.
Lorraine Quinlan Scholarship $500-1,000 Undergraduate students. Preference is given to a student who attended and participated in a Catholic school band program. Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles as assigned.
Blake E. Wiener Woodwind Scholarship $250-500 Undergraduate third or fourth year student on the instrumental track. Preference is given to a student who has exhibited leadership through action, a dedication to their craft and a spirit of humor in all they do. Nominations are made by faculty and staff members. One-time award that is not renewable.
Ruth M. Wenger Scholarship $500-1,000 Undergraduate students. Preference is given to students who are not Illinois residents. Awarded based on merit at the time of admission. Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles as assigned.
Wisconsin Alumni Scholarship $250-500 Undergraduate students. Students must be a resident of the state of Wisconsin. Awarded based on merit at the time of Admission. Renewable provided student maintains full-time enrollment status, earns a 2.5 semester GPA, and participates in ensembles as assigned.
Victor Zajec Memorial Scholarship $1,000 Must be a junior in good academic standing who exhibits traits necessary to be a successful music teacher. Nominations are made by faculty and staff members and are based on merit. This is a one-time award and is not renewable.

Giving Scholarships

Many of these scholarships have been established in memory of influential alumni or individuals who, along with their families, have been chosen to help sustain the legacy of VanderCook. The recipients of these awards are chosen in honor of these people and in the hopes they will continue to share their passion for music with their future students.

External Scholarships

By State

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Fiesta del Sol

General Music Scholarships

Other Potential Scholarships

Civic Organizations
Parent’s Employment
Student’s Employment

Applying for scholarships can seem challenging. Typically scholarship programs are intended to reward those individuals who have worked hard toward their chosen career path. Your application should demonstrate that you have the discipline, attention to detail and enthusiasm to make the scholarship donors proud they selected you.

Here are a few tips that will hopefully make your application stand out from the crowd:

  1. Apply locally. You have the best chance for success at the local level. A national competition may attract thousands.
  2. Follow directions. By not following directions your application may be dismissed. Did you meet the GPA requirements?
  3. Write and then rewrite your essay. This is your opportunity to give donors a chance to know you and your goals better. Address all questions given.
  4. Assemble the packet. Prepare a neat application. It will show donors you pay attention to detail. Make sure your letters of recommendation are current. It is helpful to put the papers in the order requested (example: application on top, followed by letters of recommendation, then your essay).

The optimal time to apply for most scholarships is late winter to early spring.

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Every Gift Matters…

Gifts to VanderCook come in many forms and sizes and each one truly makes a difference. You may wonder how a small contribution can matter to the college – how it can “make a dent.” Combined with other donor gifts, even a relatively minor contribution can make a major impact.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

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The mission of VanderCook College of Music is to enrich the lives of present and future generations by developing uniquely skilled music teachers who exhibit strong character, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.

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