Frederick Community College is now accepting applications for the Shields Music Scholarship Awards, which provide music lessons to school-aged and college students.  Applications for the 2017-2018 school year are due by June 30, 2017. 

The Shields Music Scholarship Awards provided scholarships to more than 40 students during the 2016-2017 year. These scholarships enabled students to take lessons in piano, woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion, and voice.

Scholarships are provided in three different categories: for children ages six through 18 who have experience with private music lessons, for children ages six through 18 who have not had experience with private music lessons, and for students entering FCC who are majoring in music.

“Frederick Community College offers a full range of individual music lessons for elementary through high school students as well as FCC music majors,” said Jennifer Rundlett, Shields Music Scholarship Coordinator. “By working with our specialized teachers, students can vastly improve their playing and build confidence in performance over the course of the year. These scholarships have helped hundreds of students achieve higher playing standards and rise within their school ensembles and gain acceptance into county and state competitions each year.”

The awards have been offered annually since 2000 through the George L. Shields Foundation. Lessons are taught by faculty members from the FCC Music Department and are held in the Visual & Performing Arts Center on campus.

Applications and more information can be found at http://www.frederick.edu/arts-center/shields-music-scholarship.aspx. Applications should be emailed to Jennifer Rundlett by June 30. 

Auditions will take place on Saturday August 5, 2017. 

Specific scholarship information is below. 

Children with prior or current experience studying privately with a music instructor: (ages 6-18) Scholarships conferred on students who perform exceptionally during a live audition that includes a maximum of a five-minute piece or excerpts that best show the student’s abilities. Along with the student statement and a teacher evaluation, judging criteria include technique, tone, intonation, expressiveness, and stage presence. Scholarships in this category cover the cost of 30-minute lessons during the fall semester. Scholarship renewals in the spring semester are determined by teacher recommendation.  Award winners electing to pursue 45-minute or hour-long courses of study may apply their awards toward tuition. 

Children who have no prior private musical instruction: (ages 6-18) Scholarships conferred on deserving students who have never taken private music lessons. Selections in this category will be based on a student statement and teacher evaluation. No audition is required.  Scholarships in this category cover the cost of 30-minute lessons during the fall semester.  Scholarship renewals in the spring semester are determined by teacher recommendation. Award winners electing to pursue 45-minute or hour-long courses of study may apply their awards towards tuition.  

Entering college freshmen majoring in music at FCC: Scholarships conferred on music majors who perform exceptionally during a short, live audition that includes one piece or movement that is no longer than 10 minutes.  Applicants are required to write a short essay describing their career goals and must also submit a copy of their high school transcripts and a teacher recommendation.  The award is $750 for the fall semester. Award renewals for the spring semester are determined by teacher recommendation.

Photo information: Winners of Shields Music Scholarships for the 2016-2017 year are pictured.