The music scholarships, presented each year to a number of talented first-year students, are awards of up to $20,000 over four years of study at Beloit College. Winners are selected based on their potential to contribute to the Beloit College music department ensembles. 

General Information

One need not be a music major to qualify for these scholarships.  Winners are chosen by Beloit College music faculty based on a recorded video or audio audition.  Both scholarships are worth $20,000 ($5,000 per year) over a four year period.  To retain these awards, winners must register for one of the following performing ensembles:  

Orchestra
Chamber Singers
Masterworks Chorus
Jazz Ensemble
Wind Ensemble
Piano Ensemble 
Guitar Ensemble

Find out more information about the Music Department at Beloit.

Students are encouraged to audition in their area of strongest expertise, but should keep in mind that scholarship winners must participate in an ensemble reflective of their audition. In addition, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the ensemble and a minimum GPA of 2.75 overall in their college courses. 

Application

Music scholarship applicants must:

1. Have a completed application for admission on file at Beloit College by January 15, 2013;
2. Complete a music scholarship application and online instructor recommendation by January 15, 2013; and
3. Complete a recorded video or audio audition consisting of two contrasting selections. Recordings are due by January 15, 2013.

Audition

Please read these instructions carefully before completing the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Audition repertoire 

Candidates are required to perform two contrasting selections.  While a specific difficulty level is not required, candidates should choose two pieces that they feel best represent their skills and abilities. 

Vocalists should perform two vocal solos with piano accompaniment; foreign language is not required but is encouraged. Suggested repertoire includes art songs or arias, one selection may be from the American songbook/musical theatre repertoire; pop songs are not acceptable.

Instrumentalists should perform solos from standard repertoire, with accompaniment if appropriate; an excerpt from an orchestral work is not acceptable.    

Please note: original compositions are not permitted as audition repertoire.

Recording Submission

Students should submit a YouTube link, mp3 attachment, or CD of their audition repertoire to the Music Scholarship Coordinator. If submitting a video recording, please be sure to face the camera (if possible), and ensure that the camera's view of your instrument is unobstructed.

Label all materials clearly with the following: Student Name, Date of Birth, Piece Titles and Names of Composers. All accompanied works must be performed with an accompanist.  Recorded auditions are due January 15, 2013.

Materials and inquiries may be directed to:

Trevor Johnson
Music Scholarship Coordinator
Office of Admissions       
Beloit College                                    Phone: 800-9BELOIT (923-5648)
700 College Street                             Email: johnsont@beloit.edu
Beloit, WI 53511-5595                        Fax: (608) 363-2075

History

The Marjorie Brown Leff Music Scholarship was established through the generosity of Mrs. Leff’s family for entering students who exhibit high musical abilities in the areas of vocal, instrumental, or keyboard performance, and musical composition.  Marjorie Brown Leff was a native of Beloit, Wisconsin who graduated from the College in 1933.  She began teaching music theory and piano at Beloit College in 1947 and retired in 1970.  During her tenure at Beloit she was considered one of the finest piano performers and teachers in the nation. 

The Sau-Wing Lam Bowed String Instrument Scholarship was established by Mr. Lam’s family for entering students who exhibit high musical abilities in the area of bowed string instruments.  Sau-Wing Lam was born in Shanghai, China, began his career at the Dah Chong Trading Corporation in the United States in 1948, and in 1964 became its president.  Always an avid music lover, he was an amateur violinist, violist, a collector of rare string instruments, and a patron of the arts.  Mr. Lam assisted many young musicians in furthering their musical studies and professional careers, including cellist Jian Wang, who was discovered by violinist Isaac Stern.

Music Department

Beloit College Merit Scholarships