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Financial Aid
As a music student, several sources of financial aid are available to you.
On this page:
Scholarships
Music scholarships are awarded initially on the basis of two criteria: (1) excellence in an applied music audition, and (2) demonstration of individual potential to develop performance skills. These scholarships are not based on need but are primarily talent-based. Auditions for continuing students are held each spring for the following academic year
Music scholarships may be renewed each semester for up to four years. Scholarships range from $500 a year to full tuition. Less than 1/3 of all music students are on music scholarships. Please contact the director of the School of Music at (937) 775-2346 for more information.
Requirements
Academic Requirements
Every semester the student must:
- Earn an A or a B in applied music and in the assigned major music ensemble
- Not earn an X in any required music course
- By the end of the first year of full-time enrollment at Wright State, the freshman or transfer student must have earned a cumulative (all courses) GPA of 2.5 or better.
- After the first year or 45 credit hours, the student must continue to earn a quarterly GPA (all courses) of 2.5 or better.
- Transfer students must meet the same criteria of 2.5 by the end of their first year or completion of 45 credit hours at Wright State.
Applied Music Requirements
The student must study applied music for 2 or 4 credits per semester in the applied music area which awarded the scholarship until degree requirements have been met (an exception to this requirement may be made during the semester of student teaching for music education majors).
The student must progress satisfactorily in applied music (no retentions). In extraordinary circumstances, the Applied Board, which awarded a scholarship, may grant an exception to this policy.
- ARTSGALA Scholarships
ARTSGALA Scholarships are special scholarships given to the School of Music and the Departments of Theatre and Art. Funding comes from a special event held in late March or early April of each year called the ARTSGALA. These departments help organize and prepare, as well as perform, at this fundraising event in the CAC.
Students must qualify for this scholarship by filing a FAFSA form, qualifying for financial need, be recommended by the faculty for superior performance ability, and their permanent residence must be in the Dayton area. These scholarships are very prestigious and the students chosen receive publicity exposure at the ARTSGALA. The recipients are required to have a publicity photograph taken, at the School’s expense, and to write a one-page biography for publicity by local media. These selected recipients are also expected to help prepare for, perform at, and be visible during the ARTSGALA.
- University Scholarships
University scholarships are available from the university. Criteria vary with each award. Visit the Loans, Scholarships, and Grants page on the RaiderConnect website for more information.
- Music Scholarships
The School of Music awards a number of special scholarships each academic year. These scholarships have been funded by a number of donors and patrons. Criteria and application process varies by scholarship.
Students Transfering to Wright State
The School of Music cannot offer music talent scholarships to transfer students without a signed release from the current institution.
NASM Code of Ethics Article IV, section 3 (DOCX) articulates this accreditation ruling. Please see the School of Music director if you have questions.
Grants and Loans
- Ohio Instructional Grant
- Basic Educational Opportunity Grant
- National Direct Student Loan Program
Applications need to be filed with the appropriate agency. RaiderConnect will supply the necessary forms and assist in their completion.
Community Music Division Program
Community Music Division (CMD) is a program in the School of Music that allows music students and faculty to teach non-credit, applied music lessons in the Creative Arts Center. Those teaching these classes are compensated financially. For more information on teaching CMD classes, contact the School of Music Office at 937-775-2346
NOTE: Anyone teaching lessons for a fee on Wright State property, whether in the CAC or not, must go through the CMD program. Failure to do so is in violation of state law and constitutes a criminal offense.
Other Sources
A variety of non-Wright State financial aid resources are available to qualifying students. Although the agencies that provide these resources are not affiliated with Wright State or the School of Music and although Wright State is in no way responsible for any information given by these agencies, prospective students might consider exploring these resources.
MusicScholarships.US provides information on music scholarships, grants, competitions and awards resources for students preparing for a career in music. Their database of public and private music scholarships and competition awards for undergraduate/graduate school is regularly updated.
