Nancy Etz Scholarship via Fox Chronicle
While the performing arts is an exciting field, it can be difficult to find scholarships for deserving students. Students with financial need and high academic standards may be able to take advantage of one or more of these scholarships intended for drama, dance, and music students.
Performing arts careers are demanding, but highly rewarding. Students who are ready to excel both academically and in the artistic pursuit of their choice will be ready to take their place on stage for a dynamic career.
1. Nancy Etz Scholarship
Students in all fields of study, including the performing arts, may apply for the Nancy Etz Scholarship. This $1,000 award is given based on the response to the following essay: “Discuss a special attribute or accomplishment that sets you apart.”
The scholarship is available at the graduate and undergraduate levels. High school seniors who have been accepted to an institute of higher learning are also eligible to apply. The deadline for this year is February 1, 2022.

3. F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship
Northeastern Pennsylvania students are preferred to receive the F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship. Students must possess exceptional abilities and provide evidence that their chosen artistic field will make up their life’s work. The selection process includes a written application and letters of recommendation.
Students also need to present their work to the scholarship committee along with an interview. The award is given for a maximum of $12,000. For this year, the application deadline is December 31, 2021.
3. Arts for Life! Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is given to 25 deserving Florida high school seniors who exhibit talent and academic excellence in music, drama, dance, creative writing, and the visual arts. Students must be graduating from high school in Florida to apply. The deadline for this year is February 1, 2021.
4. Aerosmith Scholarship
The rock group Aerosmith has sponsored a scholarship for music business and management majors at the Berklee College of Music. Students must achieve a GPA of 3.7. The school must be contacted to apply for this scholarship.
5. Grand Rapids Combined Theatre Scholarship
This scholarship is intended for students who have participated in community theater in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There are two $1,000 awards available. Scholarship applicants need to be enrolled full-time in a college or university. Theater arts majors receive preference. Students also need to sit for an interview. Applications for this year will begin in 2021.
6. Educational Theatre Association
Students who apply for this scholarship must have outstanding contributions and talents. They must be prepared to represent the Educational Theatre Association well. High school theater students may apply, but there is a requirement that they major in theater in college. Applications begin in January 2021.
7. Barbizon College Tuition Scholarship
This generous scholarship is in the amount of $100,000 and covers four years of a college education. Performing arts students are preferred to receive this scholarship, though students may come from any academic background. The deadline for the 2021-2022 academic year has not been established.
8. Associated Male Choruses of America
This scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to $1,200 is intended for male music majors with a vocal or choral concentration. They must be sponsored by an existing chorus that is part of the Associated Male Choruses of America. The application deadline is March 1, 2021.
9. Big Arts Classical Music Scholarship
Florida college students studying classical music are eligible to apply for this generous scholarship. $15,000 is awarded for first prize, $10,000 for second prize, and $5,000 for third prize. Students need to present an essay, proof of performances, an official school transcript, and a CD or DVD recording of their work. The deadline is March 19, 2021.
10. ASCAP Foundation Scholarships
The ASCAP Foundation Scholarships are intended for composers and songwriters. Students must be nominated by a teacher or professor. There are several awards available in different amounts and with different requirements.
11. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
This is a highly sought-after scholarship. Awards are $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000. Music applicants are encouraged, along with science, technology, mathematics, engineering, philosophy, and literature. Students need to be under 18 years of age. They must have completed a significant artistic, scientific, or literary work. This year’s deadline is March 10, 2021.
Becoming a Star in the Performing Arts
When students apply for these scholarships, they will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the performing arts. While the path toward a performing arts career may be challenging, students are encouraged to pursue their dreams. These scholarships can help to defray student loans and make a college education more accessible.