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At some point, everyone is encouraged to pick up an instrument. Toddlers are handed toy tambourines, drums, and guitars. It is an admirable effort, giving every child the opportunity to appreciate one of the most precious things shared by this entire planet: music. Unfortunately, despite these attempts, only a minute few children come to develop a talent for music.
It may not come until later in life, but many students develop a passion for sound that lasts a lifetime. We become band geeks, composers, producers and artists, church organists and cover band players. But whether it’s performing before a few dozen or several thousand, we have the privilege of using our talent to do something we love.
Another great opportunity that comes with learning to appreciate playing an instrument is the educational opportunities. A high school student with a deep passion for music in general and who has mastered the complexity of an instrument has also developed the capacity to earn scholarships.
Getting a Music Scholarship
Music scholarships are as tough as they come. Unlike other forms of scholarship, those awarded to student musicians will require live auditions and professional judging beyond typical exams and the interview process. Fortunately, the Internet has made it easier to submit these performances. Now, a student in Utah can apply to the Royal College of Music in London and have as much chance for consideration as the student that lives in London.
A musician will be expected to excel at their craft and prove they can manage the institute’s stringent curriculum, adding to its academic reputation. When choosing a school and a scholarship, take into account the more popular the instrument, the greater the competition.
There are thousands of drummers, guitarists and wind instrument players, many with exceptional talent. If you chose to be one of those competitors, be a well-rounded artist. Unless you are applying to a specific program, be ready to impress as much with rock as classical and jazz. If you are applying to a specific program, be prepared to be tested beyond your imagination. And avoid taking rejections personally. Always strive to be the best.
Best Instruments for Getting a Music Scholarship
Harp
It’s one of the most delicate instruments in the world and one of the most difficult to produce beautiful sounds with. Dating as far back as 3000 BC, it is considered the oldest instrument in history. It will take years to master its intricacy, but any student that does has given themselves an edge with music scholarships.
Noted Harpists: Synne Øverland Knudsen, Mayim Bialik, Harpo Marx, Alice Coltrane
Oboe
Noted Oboists: Mitch Miller, Yusef Lateef, Jeremy Irons, Andy Mackay
Tuba
It’s a far more popular instrument than you might imagine (just look at any marching band), but being able to play well requires a dedicated and forceful talent. If you think not, listen to anyone playing without accompaniment. If a student plays the tuba, make sure they have studied the concertos written specifically for the instrument.
Noted Tuba Players: John Williams, Velvet Brown, Heiko Triebener, Herbie Flowers
Bottom Line
Despite the above information, every student should follow their heart. Without that personal connection to an instrument and the created sound, no application reviewer will see what’s really needed in a musician. And that’s passion.
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“Every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier, and to be the best version of you.”
Sarah L
September 1, 2016 at 3:18 pmSome interesting observations. All kids need to be exposed to music.
Krystle
September 20, 2017 at 5:07 pmI couldn’t agree more!
Melanie Smith
September 1, 2016 at 6:34 pmThese are great instruments but really hard to play. My son is trying to play the harp but it is so difficult.
Krystle
September 20, 2017 at 5:07 pmThe harp IS a tricky one but so beautiful all at once!
Kandi
September 2, 2016 at 8:42 pmGreat post! I love music. My sister received a music scholarship as a percussionist. She ended up switching her degree but I can still see the passion in her eyes when she hears drums.
Krystle
September 6, 2016 at 8:35 amThat’s awesome for your sister! I’m sure she still has a love for it deep down. You have to be pretty good to get a scholarship.
Rachel Mouton
September 3, 2016 at 7:36 amThis is such great information! My daughter started college last month and this information is so hard to find. Thanks for making it a bit easier 🙂
Krystle
September 20, 2017 at 5:08 pmI’m glad it was so helpful to you. Congrats to your daughter!
Tami Qualls
September 3, 2016 at 2:20 pmMy kiddos gave the trombone a try in band. Unfortunately neither one of them followed through. Maybe that was a good thing according to what you’ve shared.
Krystle
September 20, 2017 at 5:09 pmYeah, some of those instruments just kind of don’t amount to much. At least they gave it a shot though!
Elizabeth O.
September 4, 2016 at 6:01 amAwesome instruments. Yes, at some point our parents will encourage us to learn how to play an instrument or two and if we’re really interested, we’re definitely going to push through with the lessons until we grow up. It’s awesome to know that these have scholarships.
Krystle
September 20, 2017 at 5:10 pmIt’s always good to push our kids to get out of their comfort zones. It sometimes shows them things they never knew they loved. Yes, scholarships can be handy!
Mags
September 4, 2016 at 6:25 pmGreat info. I love to see youngsters encouraged to pursue the arts.
Krystle
September 20, 2017 at 5:11 pmMe too! It’s very rewarding seeing them work so hard to accomplish something.
Mhaan A
September 5, 2016 at 10:45 amOne of my dreams for my son is to play any musical instrument such as piano. I hope he grows as a music lover.
Krystle
September 6, 2016 at 8:32 amI would love for my son to play the piano too. He does like classical music so maybe there is hope.
Karlaroundtheworld | Karla
September 5, 2016 at 11:12 amInteresting list, I’m pretty familiar with these orchestral instruments though I can barely hear the differences depending on what’s being played. That said, this list should prove to be useful and a bit of a motivation booster for those who excel at these instruments but for the others, I’d say it’s not going to be pretty changing instruments just for the sake of going with a scholarship. Like you said, follow your heart!
Krystle
September 20, 2017 at 5:12 pmYes, just because there are scholarships available doesn’t mean you should change your path of passion.
Rosie
May 13, 2017 at 10:49 amI’m amazed these are the instruments, I was so curious to see. I do love listening to harp music. One that I’m surprised to not see is the organ. There are fewer and fewer organists out there!
Krystle
September 20, 2017 at 5:14 pmNow that I think about it, you’re right! Many kids learn instruments while in school and the organ isn’t usually an instrument that’s offered.
Karen Delaney
September 15, 2017 at 12:59 pmI guess I never had thought about this. But I always wanted to learn to play the harp. Not going back to school, though.
Krystle
September 20, 2017 at 5:14 pmI don’t blame you one but for that one! I have always loved the harp as well.
Carrie Conley
September 18, 2017 at 3:56 pmThis is new to me, my kids are grown now. This is a good way because most kids are into some type of music
Derek Miller
July 18, 2018 at 10:02 pmAs I home school my kids I find articles like this extremely helpful. Very interesting.
Krystle
August 9, 2018 at 2:58 pmI applaud you! Do your children play an instrument?
Patty Wright
July 19, 2018 at 10:31 pmMy kids are grown and working.
Melissa Smith
January 22, 2019 at 11:01 amI never realized there were certain instruments that could get you a music scholarship easier! Maybe my oldest should switch from the clarinet…
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January 22, 2019 at 2:41 pmPlaying the clarinet is good I think. My son plays the violin.
Dharma Erazo
January 22, 2019 at 9:54 pmWhen I was in highschool I was quite skilled at playing the Flute. I actually quite enjoyed it and had performed the flute for many audiences!
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January 23, 2019 at 3:44 pmThat’s great! My son wanted to play the flute but decided against it since they were in marching band.
Christina Almond
January 25, 2019 at 9:27 pmI don’t play instruments…but I think it’s wonderful for childhood development purposes and, of course, for later opportunities as well!
Tammy D
January 25, 2019 at 10:41 pmI took a couple of violin lessons in school. Unfortunately my aunt claimed the violin and took it back, so no more lessons.
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January 28, 2019 at 11:56 amWhy did she take the violin from you?
Tina Morris
January 25, 2019 at 10:58 pmI love different types of instruments and the music that comes from them. I am partial to the piano myself.
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January 28, 2019 at 11:58 amI love piano music too. I wish I could play it. I love how it sounds.
Michelle S
January 26, 2019 at 8:09 amI played the piano, organ, and flute when I was younger. I introduced music to both kids – my son played the guitar and my daughter did the piano. They have both stopped but I still think it was worth it.
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January 28, 2019 at 12:00 pmWow, you are very talented. My son plays the violin and I hope to get his brother to play something when he gets a little bigger. I think it’s a good experience.
Jodi Hunter
January 26, 2019 at 12:22 pmI do not play an instrument, though I wish I had learned. I did receive a scholarship in academics.
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January 28, 2019 at 12:05 pmCongrats! You are one smart cookie.
Maryann D.
January 26, 2019 at 5:53 pmI never played an instrument. Although my family is very musical. My brother was always in bands and plays guitar. My dad played the harmonica so well and was in some groups also and performed until he was almost 90 years old!
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January 29, 2019 at 7:17 amWow, that’s awesome of your dad and brother. Especially your dad playing an instrument almost into his 90s. And I can’t play anything lol
Maryann D.
January 29, 2019 at 4:48 pmThanks! Yes, we were proud of my dad and enjoyed his music!
sherry butcher
January 26, 2019 at 7:17 pmI never could play anything because it was a struggle to read the music so try as I may it never worked. Of course i did not get anything for just trying.
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January 29, 2019 at 7:18 amI hear that. I stopped the choir because I couldn’t read the music either. It just confused me plus I’m not a singer anyway.
Pam Wheeler
January 27, 2019 at 6:40 amUnfortunately, I have tried and failed at playing instruments. Thankfully, I received academic scholarships.
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January 29, 2019 at 7:22 amThat’s good at least. Means you are smart. They just don’t hand out scholarships to everyone.
Sarh S
January 28, 2019 at 10:32 pmI would absolutely love if any of my three kids grew up to play the harp! It’s such a neat instrument in itself.
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February 1, 2019 at 3:00 pmI would too. Def a unique instrument to play and learn!
Clem
January 29, 2019 at 11:51 pmI’ve been playing piano for many years. Took lessons for 1-2 years, but continued playing, getting to maybe intermediate level.
Cindy Brooks
January 30, 2019 at 2:00 amI play(ed) the clarinet, oboe, flute, a little piano and I’m trying to learn the violin. I had an academic scholarship that paid four years of tuition. My grandson plays the french horn. His band teacher told him it’s one of the most difficult instruments to learn and colleges often offer scholarships because they need french horn players.
Sally Gearhart
January 30, 2019 at 9:21 amMy father played the guitar and the harmonica and had his own band, i remember him playing for small events and it was amazing to watch! I played the trumpet and the flute in High School. My son played the trombone and tuba and my daughter plays the flute and will be graduating this year. Music has always been a big part of my life!
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February 1, 2019 at 3:06 pmWow, you have a very musical family Sally. Lucky girl. All I have is my son who plays the violin.
Dana Rodriguez
February 1, 2019 at 1:18 pmI have never been able to play any musical instrument. I just never had the knack for it.
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February 5, 2019 at 7:57 amYou and me both Dana. I’m not a very artistic person in general.
Ronald Gagnon
February 1, 2019 at 3:31 pmI can’t even hum..or play the combe and paper…but I did get a scholarship to get my B. Com from Grant McKewen University..and then a scholarshp to get my M.B.A. from the U of A.
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February 5, 2019 at 7:59 amAwesome job! Going to school is always a great thing to do. I hope my kids turn out like you!
Ronald Gagnon
February 5, 2019 at 11:56 amMOM…no, praise God no…I just have a great education…actually working on my theses..which i may die before I finish at this rate for My PHD…I own my own Consulting company, but at 67?….but my personality and inability to deal with real life are atrocious…raise the standards on the hopes for your children 🙂
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February 6, 2019 at 2:37 pmHey, you can improve yourself at any age. Just keep at it!
Kim Pincombe-Cole
February 1, 2019 at 3:34 pmI don’t play an instrument. But my husband & his brother both played drums and received percussion line college scholarships…
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February 5, 2019 at 8:00 amWow. They did a great job!! Can they still play to this day?
Natalie
February 1, 2019 at 5:41 pmI played the french horn up until my sophomore year of high school. I was a great at it bu t pursued sports instead. I never got a scholarship for music but earned one for track.
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February 5, 2019 at 8:03 amThat’s still awesome. Any scholarship is amazing to get!
molli taylor
February 2, 2019 at 9:01 ami played piano as a kid anmd i wish i had never given it up. trying to involve my own kids in music,
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February 5, 2019 at 8:04 amThat’s great! I hope to let my youngest try the violin next year.
Cathy French
February 2, 2019 at 1:24 pmI used to play quite a few different instruments. I was close but no cigar able to get a scholarship so I stopped playing. I regret it. Wish I could remember all I learned. I had great talent too.
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February 5, 2019 at 8:16 amAwe, I’m sorry you quit. I bet you were very talented.
Jodi Hunter
February 3, 2019 at 12:12 pmI would love to be able to play the piano. My uncle was a beautiful player.
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February 5, 2019 at 8:26 amI love the piano too. I bet it was awesome listening to him play!
Barrie
February 3, 2019 at 3:56 pmMy one regret in life is not playing a musical instrument. I didn’t receive a scholarship for college.
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February 5, 2019 at 8:31 amI didn’t receive a college scholarship either. I guess I got some grants but that had more to do with me marrying young.
Dawn D.
February 3, 2019 at 4:33 pmEducation is expensive but essential.
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February 5, 2019 at 8:34 amSo very true. I hope my kids go far with their schooling. It can only help.
Nancy Burgess
February 3, 2019 at 7:55 pmYes I can play the clarinet. I was in the band in grade school and high school.
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February 5, 2019 at 8:50 amNice! I don’t know much about the clarinet but I’d be happy if I could play it.
Shannon M Gilchrist
February 4, 2019 at 8:09 amWow! I wish my kids had stuck with their musical instruments.
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February 5, 2019 at 8:50 amYeah, I hope my boys stick to it for a while at least.
Paula Ball
February 4, 2019 at 8:26 amYou know, it’s odd, my grandson was in band from the very start. He volunteered his time to tutor middle school students in music. He always knew he would teach as an adult & really lived & breathed band for 4 years. Got a full ride academic & band scholarship but something happened during summer after graduation. He quit! He’s now in Jr year of computer science degree & as far as I know has never picked up an instrument since.
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February 5, 2019 at 8:58 amAwe, maybe he’ll pick it up again one day. I hope anyway!! Sounds like he was very talented.
Chelsea Jaramillo
February 5, 2019 at 3:39 amI used to play the flute and I sometimes wish I would have stuck with it!! If any of my kids ever show interest in any instruments they will be encouraged to continue it!
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February 5, 2019 at 9:03 amI hope they do! I always wished I could play something but I was never encouraged to.
Barrie
February 5, 2019 at 10:55 pmMy hubby got a scholarship for band. He played drums from junior high through college!
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February 7, 2019 at 4:15 pmNice! I’m not sure if I’d want my son to play drums but if he got a scholarship I’d be all for it lol.
Deanna
February 6, 2019 at 10:30 pmI played the flute in middle school, but do not know if I can still play it. None of my kids have followed in my footsteps for some reason. :O
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February 13, 2019 at 8:27 amYou should try to play the flute again sometime if you come across one. I wonder if it’s like riding a bike?
Alison King
February 10, 2019 at 2:07 pmI can not play an instrument. I played the clarinet in middle school, but to be honest I was not very good. just don’t have musical talent. I did receive two scholarships though. They did not pay 100%, but they were definitely a help and I am glad I got them.
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February 13, 2019 at 8:59 amI think it’s amazing to get any scholarship. I hope my kids can do that!
Calshondra Williams
February 12, 2019 at 4:30 pmI played the piano as a child and my youngest daughter play the Cello.
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February 13, 2019 at 10:10 amCan you still play the piano? I hope so. I love piano music!
Debbie Yoder
February 13, 2019 at 4:17 pmI dont play an instrument, but really admire people that do, so much talent! My aunt played the piano and enjoyed listening to her!
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February 20, 2019 at 9:51 amI admire those that can play an instrument too. I always wished I could play the piano.
kimrk56
February 14, 2019 at 11:10 amI played trombone in school, but no longer play an instrument. I never received a scholarship for college.
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February 20, 2019 at 9:55 amDo you think you could remember how to play the trombone if someone handed you one and said play? I’ve always wondered if playing an instrument was like riding a bike.
Sarah Mayer
February 15, 2019 at 10:45 amI played piano many many years ago – unfortunately my ex sold it during our divorce.. just never picked it up again.
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February 21, 2019 at 12:39 pmAwe, I bet you could still play if you had the chance. I love piano music.
JoKing
February 15, 2019 at 7:30 pmI used to play clarinet and sing. I even took private lessons for both. Never did anything with it after high school though!
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February 21, 2019 at 12:43 pmYeah, it seems a lot of people quit after high school. It’s a shame.
Karen Propes
February 15, 2019 at 9:20 pmI can’t imagine how hard it is to learn to play some of these horns. I’m glad they offer these instruments in school now. I tried to play my husband’s trumpet but nope. I do play the autoharp, little guitar, and the ukelele. My husband can play almost anything. He is so musical. My husband played the guitar and sang the prayer and we sang our vows – Battle Hymn of Love, by Kathy Mattea and Tim O’Brien. at our Wedding in 1990.
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February 25, 2019 at 7:40 amSounds like you and your husband are very musically inclined. I don’t think I could play anything with a tune lol. I hope you have a video of that. I bet it’s great!
Vanessa S
February 16, 2019 at 7:20 pmI love listening to music, but never learned to play an instrument myself. I participated more in the theater and art clubs growing up.
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February 25, 2019 at 7:47 amWere you good at acting? That’s something I’d run away from lol.
kathy pease
February 21, 2019 at 5:28 pmI have never played an instrument. I have always loved music but never had the desire to play an instrument.
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March 2, 2019 at 5:22 pmI wish I could play something but never actually took the time to learn.