Harding - Music - Scholarships

Department of Music

Departmental Scholarships

The Department of Music gives annual scholarship awards to music majors based on performance ability and professional promise. Departmental scholarship award contracts are for four years and require continuance of the major, academic progress, and ensemble participation.

Scholarships range from $4,000 to a maximum of $16,000 divided equally over four years (eight semesters).

Scholarship Information

If you would like to audition for a music scholarship, contact the department at music@harding.edu or 501-279-4343. We'll answer your questions and tell you what you need to know.

Music Major Scholarship Audition Form

Instrumental Participation Audition Form

A significant portion of our scholarship fund was established by Jacquelin Emogene Enochs in memory of her mother, Lois Durbin Enochs.

Ensemble Scholarships (for all students)

Additional scholarship funds are available for participation in the Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Belles and Beaux, and Good News Singers. These awards are available to non-majors as well as majors. Contact the ensemble directors to find out about these scholarships.

University Scholarships

All prospective students should take the time to learn about Harding's general scholarship information. Contact the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible to obtain vital information about federal, state, and university scholarships, grants and loans.

Music scholarships may be combined with other forms of financial aid in an amount not to exceed the cost of full tuition.

Auditions

Our primary audition date is:

Monday, February 15, 2021

Applicants are welcome to audition on more than one instrument. If your primary interest is music composition, you are also invited to come for an audition and/or interview. Auditions and assessments will be scheduled for the morning, and special events will be scheduled after lunch, including opportunities for you to meet fellow students, hear chamber music groups perform, and to ask questions and learn more about your future at Harding.

Please note we have Covid-19 protocols in place, and you will be required to wear a mask on campus (except while playing and singing), and we practice safe social distancing. Additionally, our rooms are equipped with air filtration systems that will be in use during your visit.

Before your audition you will have time to warm up with your accompanist. We can provide the accompanist if needed. After you sing or play all or part of your prepared music (we'll help you decide), we will take a moment for you to do a little sight reading. Lastly, we will visit with you to learn more about your background and career plans.

After the audition, we will have you complete a brief theory placement test and piano skills assessment. Should you need to audition at a distance by submitting a recording, we will meet with you online for the sight reading and the chat, and we will take care of the theory and piano assessments later.

If you are unable to come for the February 15th audition date, we will gladly arrange an audition time that fits your schedule. If distance or other circumstances make it impossible or unwise for you to travel to Searcy, we are pleased to accept a digital recording for your audition, and we will make arrangements with you for an online interview. Please keep in mind that most scholarships will be awarded by April 1, 2020.

Once your audition application is received (link above), we'll help you with what sort of music to prepare. Remember to submit your Harding University application for admission ( apply here) in advance of your audition. In most cases, you will also send your music to the Department of Music before your audition. Students who wish to focus on composition should submit a portfolio of no more than three representative works. Our administrative assistant can help answer any questions you have ( music@harding.edu).

Who may audition?

Freshman and transfer students who are entering Harding for the first time in the fall semester and who have applied for admission to the university are eligible.

Where will auditions be held?

Auditions will take place in the music wing of the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Music and Communication on the south side of the university campus. Please report to the Music Office upon arrival (M101, first office on the left as you enter the Reynolds building) to check in with our administrative assistant.

The address is 501 Burks Blvd., Searcy, AR 72149

What should I wear?

We expect students to be dressed well for their audition. Dress as you would if you were performing in a concert. Jeans are not appropriate but a dress shirt and slacks or a skirt/dress project just the right image of professionalism.

What kind of compositions should I perform?

Choose your primary performance area:

KEYBOARD (piano) - the first movement of a sonata or sonatina AND one classical piece from the 19th or 20th century
INSTRUMENTAL (winds, strings, percussion) - two works of contrasting nature, or two contrasting movements from a solo concerto or sonata, with a minimum difficulty level of that of a standard solo from the state level solo list in your home state.
VOCAL - one classical song in English AND one art song in Italian, German or French. Memorization is recommended.

If you have questions or concerns as to the appropriateness of your audition material, ask your area coordinator well before your audition. Our administrative assistant can provide you with contact information. Inappropriate audition material may result in a lower evaluation by the music faculty. We want you to do your best.

Do you perform in more than one area? See below!

If I can perform in more than one area, what should I do?

Audition for any area in which you expect to participate in college. We appreciate musicians who are versatile and multi-talented. If you wish to audition in more than one area, prepare for each area compositions which best demonstrate your skill. Consult with your primary area coordinator to confirm your audition choices.

What about an accompanist?

You may bring your own accompanist, or Harding will provide one at your request and at no charge to you. Please let us know on your audition form if you are bringing an accompanist. If you wish to use a Harding accompanist, copies of your music must reach the music department three weeks in advance of your audition. Please note: Even though you have sent copies in advance, you must bring the original music to your audition.

When will I know the results?

The first round of scholarship contracts will be mailed out during the first week of April.

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