Scholarships & Auditions

Graceland offers generous scholarships to our talented musicians—whether they’re music majors or not. At GU, we value all musicians and their contributions to rich cultural life on campus; that’s why you don’t have to major in music to join any of our ensembles.

Students may receive grants for contributions to the music department in band, orchestra, choir and keyboard studies, ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Over 85% of Graceland students receive some form of financial aid. Oftentimes, the music scholarship is an integral part of the student's financial aid package. The amount of these awards is determined by several factors including student ability, financial need, and specific needs within each ensemble.

For more information, please review the performance grant application. An audition is required; arrange for your campus visit or contact the Graceland Admissions Office at 866.GRACELAND to submit a recorded audition.

To complete eligibility requirements, please be sure that you've submitted your application for admission online, and to complete your financial aid package file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Auditions

Graceland University offers performance grants to talented and promising young musicians whose academic qualifications and demonstrated musical abilities indicate that they could make a significant contribution to the music program of the university.

An audition is required to obtain a performance grant. On-campus auditions are preferred, but a high quality audio or video recording will be accepted if you live too far from campus to make a personal audition practical. Audition recordings should be received by the Graceland Admissions Office by May 1, prior to the academic year you wish to attend. Applicants submitting materials early have a better opportunity for grant funds.

A letter of recommendation from your school music instructor or your private teacher must also be submitted. Please include their names and contact information.

INSTRUMENTALISTS:
Your audition may include at least two solo works, one of which should be an étude or study written expressly for your instrument. When choosing your pieces make sure they demonstrate your technical and musical abilities in both (1) slow, sustained melodic lines that indicate quality of tone, phrasing, and intonation, and (2) brisk tempi that indicate your technical fluency and articulation. The total length of your audition materials should be approximately 10 minutes.

VOCALISTS:
Your audition must include at least two solo works of contrasting nature demonstrating good diction, flexibility, accurate pitch, tone quality, knowledge of breath control, and a concept of phrasing. The total length of your audition materials should be approximately 10 minutes. Repertoire from musical theater is acceptable.

AUDITION ARRANGEMENTS:
To schedule an audition, contact the Graceland Admissions Office at 866.GRACELAND. Remember to have this application completed and submitted with your letter of recommendation at least 2 weeks prior to your audition.

ACCOMPANIST: If you are unable to bring your own accompanist, you must send a copy of your accompaniment music to the Graceland Admissions Office TWO WEEKS prior to your audition date. Taped accompaniments are not acceptable.

Apply now for your music performance grant and arrange for your campus visit to audition.

*Ensemble placement auditions are separate and will take place at the start of each semester.*