The USA Department of Music offers a variety of scholarships for majors and non-majors. All music scholarships may be combined with other forms and awards of financial aid.

SCHOLARSHIPS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Department of Music Scholarships range from $200 to $1,750 per semester and are available to majors and non-majors in the keyboard, voice, and instrumental areas. They require an audition and are renewable provided that the recipient maintains a minimum course load of 12 credit hours, participates satisfactorily in the area(s) for which the scholarship is awarded, and maintains a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.

John W. Laidlaw Scholarships

Laidlaw Scholarships are available to outstanding students in all areas of music study and range from $2,500 to $3,500 annually. They are intended primarily for music majors but can be awarded to non-majors. For consideration, all students must audition and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Laidlaw Scholarships are renewable provided that the recipient carries a 12 credit hour load, participates satisfactorily in the area(s) for which the scholarship was awarded, and maintains a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Sue Houston Hanlein Scholarship

The Department of Music is pleased to announce the establishment of a new piano scholarship. The Sue Houston Hanlein Scholarship for Piano is a full-tuition award for an outstanding piano student at the University of South Alabama who demonstrates financial need and high academic achievement. The award can be made to a freshman student; however, if an upper level student meets the criteria set forth, such a candidate may be selected as well.

John Chester Scholarships

This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. John Chester, a pianist who taught at USA in the early 1960's. Ellie Chester, his widow, and a number of friends established a fund to assist outstanding pianists. Awards range from $300 to $500 per year and are available to majors and non-majors. The recipient(s) must be enrolled in applied piano, carry a 12 credit hour load, and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. There is no application form for this scholarship, as outstanding pianists are identified by the keyboard faculty and recommended to the chair on an annual basis.

Mike Bartels Scholarships

This scholarship was established in honor of percussionist Mike Bartels, a graduate of McGill-Toolen High School and student at USA. Awards range from $250 to $550 per year and are available to majors and non-majors. The recipient(s) must be enrolled in applied percussion, participate in Percussion Ensemble, carry a 12 credit hour load, and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. There is no application form for this scholarship, as outstanding percussionists are identified by the faculty and recommended to the chair on an annual basis.

Presser Scholarships

The Presser Scholarship is awarded by the music faculty to a rising senior music major for a period of two consecutive semesters. The criteria for the award are musicianship, scholarship, and contribution to the department. There is no application form for this scholarship, as students must be nominated by a faculty member for consideration. As the name implies, this scholarship is made available to the Department through the kind support of the Presser Foundation of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

Athletic Band Scholarships

The Department of Music is also pleased to offer scholarships to all members of the USA Basketball Pep Band and the USA Marching Band.  All 60 select members of the Basketball Pep Band receive a generous scholarship.  All members of the Marching Band receive a service award, and there are additional scholarships that may be added to that award.

How to Apply

Upcoming audition dates and procedures may be found online or by contacting the Department of Music office as listed below.