Music Scholarships
Prospective Students
The Westmont Music Department is pleased to award scholarships to a number of incoming students who demonstrate particularly outstanding aptitude and interest in music. These scholarships are renewable and may increase slightly in amount from year to year, particularly for music majors and minors, as students exhibit continuing scholarship and growth in music. Although major or minor status is not required for scholarship eligibility, the music department does strive to support in particular those students who intend to complete a music degree.
Music scholarships are substantial awards. The total amount you receive will be applied directly to your school bill and be split between the fall and spring semesters. If you do receive a scholarship you will be required to be a part of one of our music ensembles as assigned by the music faculty and to take private lessons in your primary area.
Scholarship applications are accepted on a continuing basis. Completed applications received prior to March 1 receive priority consideration and assure notification of award status prior to May 1.
Applications completed after March 3 will be considered in the order received with awards based on any remaining funding. Students do not need to wait until they are accepted at Westmont College to apply for the music scholarships, they may audition at any point in their Westmont admission process . It is preferred that you audition in person (preferably on a weekday; arrangements may be made through the Music Department secretary). However, a recording which demonstrates your performance ability is acceptable.
How do I apply for a music scholarship?
You will can schedule an audition by attending any of the three Westmont Music Weekends:
Friday-Saturday, November 18-19, 2011
Friday-Saturday, February 24-25, 2012
Friday-Saturday, March 2-3, 2012
If you are unable to attend a Music Weekend, you may also schedule an audition when you register for Westmont's Preview Days or Admitted Students Days:
Thursday-Friday, October 20-21, 2011 (Preview Days)
Thursday-Friday, November 10-11, 2011 (Preview Days)
Thursday-Friday, January 26-27, 2012 (Admitted Students Day)
Sign up by filing out the application form on-line (or submit an appropriate recording) and arrange for a letter of recommendation from your music instructor to be sent to the following address before March 3:
Westmont College - Music Scholarships
955 La Paz Road Santa Barbara, CA 93108-1099
What is a Music Weekend?
Music Weekends are designed to give you a closer look at the Westmont Music Department. On Friday, students will attend music classes and rehearsals as well as an orchestral concert, musical, or ensemble performance. Participants will become familiar with the musical opportunities available to them and will also have the opportunity to meet many of the full-time faculty members. On Saturday students may sign up to audition for a music scholarship.
How to submit your audition electronically:
For those for whom travel to campus for a Music Audition Weekend is not possible due to disance and expense, applicants may submit a recorded audition on mp3 files, a CD or DVD or online via YouTube. Following the audition requirements below, submit 2 to 4 selections. Please carefully follow the instructions below:
1) CD or DVD - In your mailing please include, your full name, your vocal part or instrument played, the titles and composers of the pieces featured in your audition, your mailing address, phone number, and email address. Mail your CD or DVD to the following address:
Westmont College - Music Scholarships
955 La Paz Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108-1099
2) MP3 Files - Upload mp3 files as a part of your online scholarship application form. Please be certain your music files are mp3 files not "mov" or "avi" files. If you send multiple songs, have them featured on separate, titled files or tracks.
3) Posting to Youtube - If you have an online audition video you wish to use, please post it to a YouTube account in 10-minute segments. If you do not have a YouTube account you may created one here. Once uploaded, include the link to your video URL in your online scholarship application form. The title of the YouTube video should read - "Westmont Music Audition - (your name)" In the notes, please include your full name, your vocal part or instrument played, and the titles and composers of the pieces featured in your audition.
Current Students
Current students may apply once a year for reconsideration of your scholarship award or for consideration for a new award if you did not receive one as an entering student. Awards are considered based on your demonstrated skills and commitment in lessons and ensembles. No additional audition is required, but it is in your best interest to schedule a music colloquium performance shortly after filing your application for consideration. Applications made in the fall semester may be deferred to the spring semester for consideration as additional funds are typically not available at that time. Use the online form and indicate "current student" in appropriate box. No letters of recommendation are required for students who are or have been enrolled in Westmont ensembles or lessons. If you have not participated in the Westmont music program, please have a letter of recommendation from a prior or current music instructor sent to us by the appropriate deadline. Application submission dates are the same as those for prospective students:
March 1 - for consideration for the following fall
December 1 - for consideration for Spring semester awards (see below)
Consideration For Spring Semester Awards
Music scholarships are typically awarded only in the spring semester for the following academic year. However, applications from new students entering in the spring semester, or current students requesting either an augmentation of their scholarship or consideration for a new award, may be made in the fall term and will be considered if funds are available. The priority consideration date for fall applications is December 1. Applications received by December 1 will receive consideration prior to the start of the spring term. If no funds are available these applications will be rolled over for consideration in our regular awarding cycle in March. Applications received after December 1 will be considered in our regular awarding cycle in March. Students may only submit one application per academic year (see instructions for current students above).
Audition Requirements
All auditions, whether recorded or live, will require the following items:
VOCAL
- Two songs of contrasting style. The inclusion of classical art song repertoire, opera and oratorio arias, and a representation of a foreign language is encouraged but not required.
- A list of current repertoire.
WIND INSTRUMENTS
- Two pieces of contrasting styles; a movement from a classical sonata or concerto is encouraged; orchestral excerpts are also appropriate.
- A list of current repertoire.
PIANO
- Two pieces of contrasting styles; a movement from a classical sonata is encouraged.
- A list of current repertoire.
ORGAN
- Two pieces of contrasting styles; a composition by J. S. Bach is encouraged.
- A list of current repertoire.
STRINGS
- Two pieces of contrasting styles; a movement from a classical sonata or concerto is encouraged.
- A list of current repertoire.
GUITAR
- Two pieces of contrasting styles; if possible a piece from classical repertoire that demonstrates music-reading skills
- A list of current repertoire.
COMPOSITION
- Three representative scores.
- Any recordings of performances.
Please contact us!
Music Department - (805) 565-6040 - all general questions
- music@westmont.edu
Dr. Steve Butler - (805) 565-6130 composition/electronic music studio questions
- butler@westmont.edu
Dr. Grey Brothers - (805) 565-6279- vocal/choral questions
- brothers@westmont.edu
Dr. Philip Ficsor - (805) 565-6268- violin/strings questions
- pficsor@westmont.edu
Dr. Steve Hodson - (805) 565-6192 piano/conducting questions
- hodson@westmont.edu
Dr. Michael Shasberger - (805) 565-6280 choral/orchestral/vocal/Instrumental/Music&Worship questions
- shasberger@westmont.edu