Music Performance Awards and Scholarships
All of the awards described below are contingent upon admission to the university and an audition for the School of music. Unless otherwise noted, they are renewable upon the recommendation of the music faculty.
Academic Excellence Awards. These awards are supported by the music faculty through recitals and other fund raising efforts. $300-$500 for the academic year.
Buchanan/Ledford Memorial Scholarship. This award is funded by the family and friends of Amanda Buchanan and Daniel Ledford, music majors who died in a tragic hiking accident in the spring of 1997. The $500 scholarship is available to graduates of Tuscola High School (Waynesville, NC) who have been active participants in its music programs.
Chancellor’s Scholarships. These $1000 awards from the Office of the Chancellor recognize excellence in academic studies and musical performance.
Barbara Dooley Accompanying Award. This $1000 award recognizes the ongoing support of the School of Music by Barbara Dooley through her work as an accompanist. The recipient accompanies the Concert Choir, so an audition on piano is required. Interested students should contact the Director of Choral Activities.
James Dooley Male Vocalist Award. This $500 award goes to an outstanding male voice major recommended by the Director of Choral Activities. The award is in recognition of Dr. James Dooley’s many years of service to the School of Music and Western Carolina University.
Graduate Assistantships. Assistantships in the amount of $6000/year (renewable for a second year) are available for qualified graduate students. Recipients perform 20 hours of work/week in conjunction with School faculty.
Gulley Talent Awards. These awards are made in varying amounts to undergraduate students who provide musical services to the School. $250-$500 for the year.
Marching Band Scholarships. These awards vary in amount, based on the recommendation of the director of the Marching Cats. They are supported by donations from outside the university in recognition of this ensemble’s outstanding performances.
MENC Scholarships. Four $250 scholarships raised through the private lesson program sponsored by the WCU Collegiate Chapter of the Music Educators National Conference. These non-renewable awards go to incoming freshmen majoring in music education.
Partial Out-of-State Remission Awards. A limited number of awards are made to undergraduate music majors or minors from other states to offset a portion of out-of-state tuition. The awards are worth $950 and are matched with $250 in additional scholarship money for a total of $1200 or more.
Pruett Scholarships. These awards are made in memory of Jonathan Pruett, member of the marching band. Preference is given to students from Jonathan’s home area (Surry County, NC) who are involved in the WCU band program. These awards are generally for $500.
Richard M. Renfro Piano Scholarship. This award in honor of Dr. Renfro, retired professor of piano and former department head, goes to a qualified keyboard performance student.
University Music Friends Scholarships. These awards are set up through memberships and contributions to the University Music Friends, an organization dedicated to the support of the School of Music. These awards are normally from $300-$500 annually and may be renewed if funds are available.
Additional Sources of Financial Aid include a variety of federally supported programs administered by the university. Aid from these programs may be in the form of grants, loans or a college work-study program. The Office of Financial Aid works with students and families to develop an appropriate funding package based on individual need. Further information regarding federally supported aid programs is available online at www.wcu.edu/finaid or from the Student One-Stop Center at (828) 227-7290.
