2025 Scholarship Application Grades 5-11 |
Be sure to read all details before completing the application.
The Ashland Symphony Orchestra will award two (2) scholarships of $250 each to students in grades 5-8 and one (1) scholarship of $500 to a student in grades 9-11*. These scholarships are to be used to assist the students in paying for private music lessons and will be disbursed directly to the students. The presentation of scholarships supports the ASO’s mission of “music education for all”.
● Student must reside in Ashland County.
● Student must play an approved orchestral instrument. For a list of approved instruments, please visit the ASO website http://www.ashlandsymphony.org/scholarship-program/.
● Student shall complete an application which must be received in the ASO office by noon on Friday, February 21, 2025. Application will include:
▪︎ This complete survey application
▪︎ A short essay (500 words or less) describing
▫︎ Why you study or would like to study privately
▫︎ What you hope to accomplish through private lessons and how this scholarship will help
▫︎ Your future plans for music study and/or performance
▫︎ Your musical influences
▪︎ A letter of recommendation from your private instructor or school music teacher. Letter must be submitted via email to symphony@ashland.edu and include your name in the subject line. Or, you may upload a copy at the end of this application form.
● Student must participate in a live audition on Tuesday evening, March 25, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church - Sanctuary, 508 Center St, Ashland. Student shall provide his/her own accompanist and three (3) copies of the audition piece. There is an option to upload a copy of the music at the end of this application form. Auditions will be scheduled between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
● Student must play an approved orchestral instrument. For a list of approved instruments, please visit the ASO website http://www.ashlandsymphony.org/scholarship-program/.
● Student shall complete an application which must be received in the ASO office by noon on Friday, February 21, 2025. Application will include:
▪︎ This complete survey application
▪︎ A short essay (500 words or less) describing
▫︎ Why you study or would like to study privately
▫︎ What you hope to accomplish through private lessons and how this scholarship will help
▫︎ Your future plans for music study and/or performance
▫︎ Your musical influences
▪︎ A letter of recommendation from your private instructor or school music teacher. Letter must be submitted via email to symphony@ashland.edu and include your name in the subject line. Or, you may upload a copy at the end of this application form.
● Student must participate in a live audition on Tuesday evening, March 25, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church - Sanctuary, 508 Center St, Ashland. Student shall provide his/her own accompanist and three (3) copies of the audition piece. There is an option to upload a copy of the music at the end of this application form. Auditions will be scheduled between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Recipients will be selected based on his/her complete application and musical ability. ASO staff, musicians, and/or members of the Board of Directors will comprise the selection committee. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Not all applicants will be selected to participate in an audition; only selected students will be scheduled for and notified of an audition time. Applicants selected for an audition will be notified by email.** Following auditions, the scholarship winners will be notified by email and/or phone.
Winning students are not eligible for scholarships in 2026, but will be eligible thereafter.
Scholarship awards will be presented at the Ashland Symphony Orchestra’s April 12, 2025 concert. Winners and their families will receive complimentary tickets to the concert.
*High school seniors living in Ashland County are eligible for a scholarship provided by the Ashland Musical Club. For information about this scholarship, please visit the ASO website http://www.ashlandsymphony.org/scholarship-program/.
**All students selected for an audition will receive a $10 gift card redeemable at Mike’s Music Corner, 4 East Main Street, Ashland OH. In addition, students and their families will receive complimentary tickets to the Ashland Symphony Orchestra’s 2025-2026 concert season!