School of Music Scholarships

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The Liberty University School of Music is pleased to offer an exciting scholarship initiative for all musical disciplines within the School of Music. SOM Scholarships are competitive awards for music majors who demonstrate excellence in their chosen instrument and field of study. SOM Scholarship recipients are selected by the SOM Scholarship Committee based on the following criteria: academic achievement, musicianship, financial need (according to the standards of the Liberty University Student Accounts), and walk with God.

New Student Scholarship Information

New Student Scholarships Application

Steps to Apply for SOM Scholarships as an Incoming Student

Schedule an in-person Placement Audition or submit a video recording of your Placement Audition to Faculty Area Coordinator of your area.
If submitting a video audition, include the following in the email:
- - Full Name
  - LU ID Number (if issued)
  - Contact information (email and cell phone number)
  - Desired major of study
  - Semester you will start at Liberty (e.g. Fall 2020)
  - Video audition links
Fill out the New Student SOM Scholarships Application

**Priority consideration for SOM scholarships will be given to students who audition and apply prior to January 31, 2021.

Questions? Email: somscholarships@liberty.edu

All incoming SOM students must complete both a Placement Audition on their primary instrument and the New Student SOM Scholarships Application. Your Placement Audition will serve as your scholarship audition and help us determine your placement in the appropriate teaching studio. There is no separate scholarship audition.

SOM Audition Guidelines & Coordinator Contact Information

SOM Audition Guidelines – New Students Only

To schedule a Placement Audition, contact the appropriate Area Coordinator below:

Vocal – Dr. Samantha Miller, Coordinator of Vocal Studies; srmiller1@liberty.edu
Keyboard – Dr. Tad Hardin, Coordinator of Piano and Keyboard Studies; pthardin@liberty.edu
Guitar – Dr. Michael Brennan, Coordinator of Guitar Studies; mbrennan@liberty.edu
Strings – Dr. Luca Trombetta, Coordinator of Strings Studies; dltrombetta@liberty.edu
Woodwind – Dr. Cassandra Hibbard, Coordinator of Woodwind Studies; chibbard@liberty.edu
Brass – Dr. Andrew Phillips, Coordinator of Brass Studies; atphillips2@liberty.edu
Percussion – Mr. Jay Ware, Coordinator of Percussion and Drum Set Studies; rware3@liberty.edu

Current Student Scholarship Information

To be considered for SOM Scholarships, current SOM Majors must submit a completed application. No audition is required for current SOM students.

Current Student applications will be accepted November 1, 2020 – December 15, 2020.

Current Students SOM Scholarship Application

Basic Qualifications for SOM Scholarship Eligibility

All SOM Scholarship recipients must:

Be a declared SOM Major for the duration of the award term.
Maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and remain in good academic standing for the duration of the award term.
Remain in full-time, residential status for the duration of the award term.
Transfer Students must obtain a letter of release from their current school before being considered for an SOM scholarship, per National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) stipulation.

*Other eligibility stipulations are determined by the student’s non-SOM awards or grants and/or Financial Aid requirements.

Available School of Music Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of supporters of the Liberty University School of Music, we are thrilled to offer the following scholarships:

Gary Mathena Songwriter Scholarship
Gary Mathena Music & Worship Transfer Student Scholarship
Gary & Donnita Mathena International Music Student Scholarship
Marty Hamby Arranging Scholarship
Mathena Family Music & Worship Scholarship
Mathena Graduate Music & Worship Scholarship
Mathena Family New Student Music Scholarship
Mathena Family Ethnomusicology Research Grant
Phil Barfoot Songwriter Scholarship
Phil Martin Music in World Cultures Scholarship

SOM Scholarship Renewal Information

SOM Scholarships are one-year awards. Students may re-apply for available SOM scholarships each academic year.

How SOM Scholarships Work with Financial Aid

How SOM Scholarships Work with Financial Aid

Liberty University School of Music scholarships are considered financial aid, just as grants, work-study, and loans. Federal and state financial aid programs require that students not receive financial aid in excess of one’s cost of education, which includes living expenses as outlined in the General Scholarship Rule. Scholarships are factored into financial need assessments.

Liberty University Scholarships/Financial Aid

Information about University-wide scholarships (scholarships that are not specifically for music students) and other types of financial assistance is available through the following links:

Marching Band & Spirit Band Scholarships

Liberty University Marching Band Scholarship

Liberty University Spirit Band Scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a School of Music Major to be eligible to receive School of Music scholarships?

Yes, all SOM Scholarship recipients must be a declared SOM Major.

As a current student, do I have to complete an audition or submit an audition video?

No, current students do not have to audition for SOM Scholarships. Only new students must audition.

I plan to visit Liberty at some point, but I cannot attend one of the College For A Weekend (CFAW) events. Can I set up another time to audition?

Yes, you may set up a time to audition outside of the CFAW events. Please contact the appropriate Faculty Area Coordinator to set up an audition time.

I am not a SOM Major, but I would like information about other scholarships.

Please visit the Student Financial Services website for information concerning University-wide scholarships.