The Department of Music offers financial assistance to students who participate in the performing ensembles at WSC. Awards are made based on an audition process (see below). You do not need to be a music major to receive a music scholarship. The type of scholarship you are awarded is based on your ability and the number of scholarships available.
Audition Dates for 2025-26 Scholarships
- Nov. 13, 2024
- Feb. 7, 2025
- March 28, 2025
Before Audition Day:
Prepare one or two pieces from the standard contest repertoire for instrument or voice. Selections do not have to be memorized. Vocalists may sing in English or a foreign language. No popular music. You may be asked to sight-read a short selection.
On Audition Day:
Prior to the audition date, you will be notified of your audition time and room number. All auditions are held in the Peterson Fine Arts Building. Please join us for other activities on Audition Day, such as sample classes, campus tours, individual lessons, conversation with a student panel, and rehearsals with the WSC ensembles. A schedule of events will be sent to you before your audition.
For more information about music scholarships, contact the WSC Department of Music at 402-375-7514.
Available music scholarships include:
Note: For a complete listing of music scholarships, or to apply for a music scholarship, please visit our scholarship award management portal.
- Ardath Conn Scholarship - Awarded to music majors. Established by a generous bequest from the estate of Ardath Conn. Miss Conn is a widely known concert pianist and teacher, and the daughter of U.S. Conn, the first president of Wayne State College.
- Montie V. Chapin Music Scholarship - Established by Mrs. Virginia Chapin McCain of Winside, Neb. This scholarship is awarded to outstanding keyboard majors.
- John R. Keith Scholarship - Established in honor of John R. Keith, a former WSC Director of Bands. To be awarded to an instrumental or vocal music major.
- Friends of Music Scholarship - Awarded to a music major, either instrumental or vocal.
- Dorothy Glover McClellan Music Scholarship - Awarded to a music education major with preference given to keyboard performers.
- Bloomquist-Slutz Memorial Music Scholarship - Awarded to students who show promise of leadership and academic ability in the field of music. Preference is given to seniors from Wakefield High School who plan to study music. If there are none, the Department of Music will make a selection for that year. Wakefield graduates may renew the scholarship for four years by maintaining satisfactory progress and a B average.
- Cornell and Diana Runestad Music Scholarship - Awarded to a sophomore (60 hours) or above. Must be a member of Madrigal Singers, Concert Choir, and band (all three groups) during previous two semesters and during semester of award. Awarded on recommendation of WSC choral director in consultation with the chair of the Department of Music.
- Special Abilities Scholarships - Provides tuition assistance and are renewable. Students must actively participate in band or choir.
- Music grants for non-majors - Although the most substantial scholarship awards are reserved for music majors, a limited number of awards are available for musically talented students who are pursuing other majors. It is expected that students receiving these awards will participate actively in the programs of the Music Department, including band and choir.