ELIGIBILITY STATEMENT
Application deadlines for the 2024-2025 Grants and Scholarships Cycle are as follows:
November 1, 2024 (by midnight, Central Standard Time): Applications due for Music Educator Grants, Professional Development Grants, Wiese-Abegg Collegiate Chapter Grants, and Haupt Alumni Chapter Grants.
March 1, 2025 (by midnight, Central Standard Time): Applications due for all other grants, scholarships, and awards
All application fees are non-refundable, even in the case of ineligible or disqualified applications.
Applicants must be dues-paying members.
Applicants may apply for more than one grant, scholarship, or award.
Previous winners can reapply to the same grant or scholarship only AFTER three years (in 2024-2025, these are winners from 2021 and prior), unless otherwise noted. Helen Haupt Alumni Chapter Project Grant and the Wiese-Abegg Collegiate Chapter Project Grant winners may apply annually.
A Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation scholarship or grant may only be used to cover eligible expenses as outlined in the budget resources provided under Application Assistance.
We are here to help! Check out our Application Assistance Page for:
Video tutorials
Budget Resources
Judging rubrics
Arts Management
EDYTHE G. BURDIN SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
To a student studying arts management.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate
Career Change
MARY ALICE COX GRANT FOR LIFELONG LEARNING ($2,000)
To an alumni member, in good standing for 10 years or more at time of application. To be used for continued or renewed development of a mid-career transition in any field of professional music, including but not limited to performance, composition, pedagogy and education, music therapy, music administration, and music technology.
Eligible Applicants: Alumni
Commercial Music
COMMERCIAL MUSIC GRANT ($2000)
To an applicant specializing in commercial music, broadly defined to include any commercial approaches to non-classical styles and genres of popular music (e.g., country, folk, pop, rap, rock, R&B, soul, etc.), musical theater, jazz, gospel, and traditional music. Applicants can be in any field or degree area and can use the funds to support study, research, professional development (e.g., workshops in performance or pedagogy) or other special projects.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
Conducting/Coaching
JOHN AND MARY VIRGINIA FONCANNON CHORAL CONDUCTING OR SACRED MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP ($10,000)
To support the study of choral conducting or sacred music.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
JOHN AND MARY VIRGINIA FONCANNON CONDUCTING/COACHING SCHOLARSHIP ($10,000)
To support the study of conducting/coaching
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
Chapters
WIESE-ABEGG COLLEGIATE CHAPTER PROJECT GRANTS ($2,000)
To support one or more special projects undertaken by collegiate chapters. Previous winners of this grant may re-apply annually for consideration of a significantly different project.
Eligible Applicants: Collegiate Chapters
Applications for Collegiate Chapter Project Grants are due 11:59pm CST on NOVEMBER 1.
HELEN HAUPT ALUMNI CHAPTER PROJECT GRANTS ($2,000)
To support one or more special projects undertaken by alumni chapters. Previous winners of this grant may re-apply annually for consideration of a significantly different project.
Eligible Applicants: Alumni Chapters
Applications for Alumni Chapter Project Grants are due 11:59pm CST on NOVEMBER 1.
Diversity Scholar
DIVERSITY SCHOLAR GRANT ($2,000)
To be awarded to traditionally underrepresented and minoritized populations such as BIPOC, AAPI, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Applicants can be pursuing one or more of the following: study or research, performance, lessons, workshops, or projects. 2 awards.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
Early Music
EARLY MUSIC GRANT ($1,000)
To be awarded to an individual for the study of or a project relating to Early Music. Applicants can be pursuing one or more of the following: study or research, performance, lessons, workshops, or purchase of a period instrument.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
Ensemble Music
JAMES AND LOLA FAUST CHAMBER MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP ($5,000)
To a chamber ensemble with one or two Mu Phi Epsilon members (depending on total number of members) demonstrating a performance history of at least two years.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
LARGE ENSEMBLE GRANT ($2,000)
To be awarded to an ensemble with at least one member of Mu Phi Epsilon involved in the ensemble. Large ensembles must demonstrate a performance history of at least two years. The Large Ensemble shall consist of 11 or more musicians and shall have a separate conductor. Ensembles with more Mu Phi Epsilon members will be considered to be of particular application strength.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
General
LIANA K. SANDIN GRANTS-IN-AID ($2,000)
For a specific purpose essential to completion of an exceptional musical project or undertaking well beyond the planning stage. 3 awards.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
MERLE MONTGOMERY DOCTORAL GRANT ($3,000)
To a doctoral candidate (ABD) whose advanced work toward the degree is at a significant stage of completion.
Eligible Applicants: Graduate (Doctoral level only)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT ($2,000)
Up to $2,000 to cover expenses related to a professional development opportunity (e.g., conference, workshop, etc.). May not be used for Mu Phi Epsilon International Convention or District Conference. One or more grants available.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
Applications for Professional Development Grants are due 11:59pm CST on NOVEMBER 1.
Instrumental
ALBERTA DENK SCHOLARSHIP FOR VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, DOUBLE BASS ($2,000)
To support a music major’s study of string performance.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate
GERKE COLLEGIATE ARTIST SCHOLARSHIPS ($2,000)
To an undergraduate instrumentalist (woodwinds, brass, percussion, or strings) with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate
BETH LANDIS VIOLIN SCHOLARSHIP ($5,000)
For undergraduate or graduate music major whose primary instrument is violin.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate
JEAN LOUISE MARTIN SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
To an undergraduate or graduate instrumentalist (woodwinds, brass, percussion, or strings) for study in music performance.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate
ELEANOR HALE WILSON CELLO SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
To an undergraduate or graduate music major whose primary instrument is cello.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate
International Study
MABEL HENDERSON MEMORIAL GRANT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDY ($2,000)
To support study outside the United States in a country other than the country of the applicant’s birth or citizenship, awarded on the basis of high achievement in the applicant’s major field. Applicants must be 21 years of age by time of travel.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
BERNSTEIN-CROSMAN SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
Piano scholarship for study outside the United States in a country other than the country of the applicant’s birth or citizenship.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
ELEANOR B. WEILER and MILDRED B. FRAME PIANO SCHOLARSHIP (Up to $6,000)
To support piano study in France (preferably Paris). One or more scholarships available.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
Jazz
JAZZ STUDY GRANT ($2,000)
To a student studying jazz performance or jazz composition. The funds must be used to fund a project or studies related to jazz performance or composition.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate
Keyboard
BERNSTEIN-CROSMAN SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
Piano scholarship for study outside the United States in a country other than the country of the applicant’s birth or citizenship.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
ELEANOR B. WEILER and MILDRED B. FRAME PIANO SCHOLARSHIP (Up to $6,000)
To support piano study in France (preferably Paris). One or more scholarships available.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
HELEN HAUPT PIANO SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
To a pianist.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
WIHLA HUTSON ORGAN SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
To an organist.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
NANCY BROGDEN BOOKER COLLABORATIVE PIANIST AWARD ($1,000)
To a member of Mu Phi Epsilon who has demonstrated facility and continued activity as an accompanist for soloists, choral groups, dancers, or others dependent upon keyboard artists for rehearsals or performances.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
Music Education
MADGE CATHCART GERKE SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
To an undergraduate applicant in music education with no professional classroom teaching experience who will complete certification requirements at the end of any term of the current academic year.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate
INES PRATT JAMISON SCHOLARSHIP ($2,500)
To an undergraduate music education major who is studying voice.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate
BETH LANDIS MUSIC EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP ($5,000)
For undergraduate or graduate study in music education.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate
NADINE WILLIAMS SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
To an applicant currently enrolled in an accredited program of graduate study in music education.
Eligible Applicants: Graduate
ELEANOR HALE WILSON CELLO SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
To an undergraduate or graduate music major whose primary instrument is cello.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate
HAZEL B. MORGAN SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
For graduate study in music education.
Eligible Applicants: Graduate
DR. FRAN IRWIN MUSIC EDUCATION MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
For a junior or senior undergraduate music education major.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate
MUSIC EDUCATOR GRANT ($2,000)
Up to $2,000 to assist professional K-12 music educators in the field with classroom expenses and other supplies. One or more grants available.
Applications for Music Educator Grant are due 11:59pm CST on NOVEMBER 1.
Eligible Applicants: Graduate, Alumni
Music Research
MUSIC RESEARCH AWARD-UNDERGRADUATE ($250)
A $250 award to an undergraduate music student (or recent graduate) for a music research paper (e.g., thesis) or research project. Applicants can be in any field.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate
MUSIC RESEARCH AWARD-MASTERS ($750)
A $750 award to a master’s level music student (or recent graduate) for a music research paper (e.g., master’s thesis) or research project. Applicants can be in any field.
Eligible Applicants: Graduate (Master’s level only)
MUSIC RESEARCH AWARD-DOCTORAL ($1,000)
A $1,000 award to a doctoral music student (or recent graduate) for a music research paper (e.g., doctoral dissertation) or project. Applicants can be in any field.
Eligible Applicants: Graduate (Doctoral level only)
Music Technology
BETTYLOU SCANDLING HUBIN SCHOLARSHIP FOR MUSIC TECHNOLOGY ($2,000)
In memory of Lucie Benefiel Scandling for a project or study involving music technology.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
Theory & Composition
RUTH DEAN MORRIS SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
To a student majoring in music theory or composition.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate
LILLIAN HARLAN RAMAGE GRANT FOR GRADUATE STUDY IN COMPOSITION ($2,000)
To a graduate student in composition.
Eligible Applicants: Graduate
ELLEN JANE LORENZ PORTER GRANT FOR GRADUATE WORK IN COMPOSITION ($2,000)
To a graduate student working on an advanced degree in composition.
Eligible Applicants: Graduate
ORIGINAL COMPOSITION AWARD DIVISION I
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate
Former First Prize Winners in this division are ineligible to re-apply.
Class A: Large-Scale Works. No time limit. ($250)
Class B: Any form for instrument(s) or voice(s). Up to six minutes in length. ($200)
ORIGINAL COMPOSITION AWARD DIVISION II
Eligible Applicants: Graduate, Alumni
Former First Prize Winners in this division are ineligible to re-apply.
Class A: Large Scale Works: No time limit. ($350)
Class B: Any form for instrument(s) or voice(s). Up to six minutes in length. ($250)
ORIGINAL COMPOSITION AWARD DIVISION III
Eligible Applicants: Former First Prize Winners in Division I and II categories
Class A: Any form. No time limit. ($400)
Music Therapy
LAVERNE JACKSON MEMORIAL MUSIC THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
To an undergraduate applicant who is enrolled in an accredited music therapy program and will be doing a pre-internship/internship with a special population.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate
Summer Music Programs
ELEANOR HALE WILSON SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
For study at a domestic or international summer music program. Scholarship application may be made before the program acceptance is confirmed. 6 Awards.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
Voice
ELIZABETH BOLDENWECK VOICE SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
For undergraduate study in voice.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate
INES PRATT JAMISON SCHOLARSHIP ($2,500)
To an undergraduate music education major who is studying voice.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate
BRENA HAZZARD VOICE SCHOLARSHIP ($5,000)
To any Mu Phi Epsilon member pursuing vocal study, awarded on behalf of the Los Angeles Alumni Chapter.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
SARA EIKENBERRY VOICE UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
To deserving mezzo-soprano or contralto undergraduate voice student.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate
SARA EIKENBERRY VOICE GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
To deserving mezzo-soprano or contralto graduate voice student.
Eligible Applicants: Graduate
MIKANNA CLARK TAURMAN VOICE SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
For study in voice beyond the undergraduate level.
Eligible Applicants: Graduate, Alumni
LIANA K. SANDIN VOICE SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
For a vocal project or vocal study.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
World Music/Multicultural Music
BETTYLOU SCANDLING HUBIN SCHOLARSHIP FOR WORLD MUSIC/MULTICULTURAL MUSIC ($2,000)
Awarded in memory of Lucie Benefiel Scandling for study, travel, publication, or performance projects involving world/multicultural music.
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni
2024 Scholarship & Grant Recipients
Past Scholarship & Grant Recipients
GRANT & SCHOLARSHIP CHAIRS
Kira Dixon
PRESIDENT@mpefoundation.org
Helen Haupt Alumni Chapter Project Grants (due Nov. 1)
Wiese-Abegg Collegiate Chapter Grants (due Nov. 1)
Professional Development Grant (due Nov. 1)
Music Educator Grant (due Nov. 1)
Beth Landis Music Education Scholarship
John and Mary Virginia Foncannon Choral Conducting or Sacred Music Scholarship
John and Mary Virginia Foncannon Conducting/Coaching Scholarship
Isabel De La Cerda
Vicepresident@mpefoundation.org
Diversity Scholars Grants
Jazz Studies Grant
Alberta Denk Scholarship for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass*
Beth Landis Violin Scholarship
Edythe G. Burdin Scholarship
Eleanor Hale Wilson Cello Scholarship
La Verne Jackson Memorial Music Therapy Scholarship
Dr. Matthew Hoch
Treasurer@mpefoundation.org
Madge Cathcart Gerke Scholarship
Brena Hazzard Voice Scholarship
Elizabeth Boldenweck Voice Scholarship*
Ines Pratt Jamison Scholarship
Mikanna Clark Taurman Voice Scholarship
Sara Eikenberry Undergraduate Voice Scholarship
Sara Eikenberry Graduate Voice Scholarship
Dr. Hannah Porter Occeña
secretary@mpefoundation.org
Bettylou Scandling Hubin Scholarship for Music Technology
Merle Montgomery Doctoral Grant
Ellen Jane Lorenz Porter Grant for Graduate Work in Composition
James and Lola Faust Chamber Music Scholarship
Lillian Harlan Ramage Grant for Graduate Study in Composition*
Ruth Dean Morris Scholarship
Original Composition Awards
Danielle Kuntz
grants@mpefoundation.org
Helen Haupt Piano Scholarship
Wihla Hutson Organ Scholarship
Bernstein-Crosman Scholarship
Eleanor B. Weiler and Mildred B. Frame Piano Scholarship
Nancy Brogden Booker Collaborative Pianist Award
Dr. Fran Irwin Music Education Memorial Scholarship
Music Research Awards
Donna chrzanowski
philanthropies@mpefoundation.org
Large Ensemble Grant
Nadine Williams Scholarship
Eleanor Hale Wilson Summer Scholarships
Jean Louise Martin Scholarship
Gerke Collegiate Artist Scholarships*
Hazel B. Morgan Scholarship*
dr. wanda yang temko
admin@mpefoundation.org
Liana K. Sandin Voice Scholarship
Bettylou Scandling Hubin Scholarship for World Music/Multicultural Music
Mary Alice Cox Grant for Lifelong Learning
Mabel Henderson Memorial Grant for International Study
Early Music Grant
Liana K. Sandin Grants-In-Aid**
Commercial Music Grant
*Scholarships are significantly funded through the generosity of the Eleanor Hale Wilson Charitable Trust.
**Grants significantly funded by the Pearle Francis Finigan Foundation