Undergraduate Scholarships
In addition to finiancial aid awarded on the basis of need by the Financial
Aid Office, the Department of Music offers scholarships to students on the basis of musical talent and promise.
These scholarships are awarded in the fall after the student begins matriculation at Duke.
The Mary Duke Biddle Scholarship in Music Composition (up to $3,500 per year): offered to one member of each first-year class. Students wishing to apply for this scholarship are required to submit a portfolio of their compositions. Eligibility is limited to students planning to major in music. It is renewable as long as the student meets the required standards.
The Smith Memorial Scholarship (up to $2,000 per year): awarded to an organist who is a music major. It is renewable as long as the recipient continues to study the organ and maintains satisfactory progress.
Giorgio Ciompi Scholarships (up to $1,000 per year): awarded to students who can demonstrate talent and achievement in a stringed instrument. Although recipients are not required to major in music, they must enroll in applied study and participate in a departmental ensemble. These scholarships are renewable as long as students show good progress and dedication to their ensembles.
Larry and Violet H. Turner Scholarships (up to $1,000 per year): for undergraduates demonstrating outstanding ability on a stringed instrument. Although recipients are not required to major in music, they must enroll in applied study each semester; these scholarships, which cover the usual fees for applied instruction in the primary instrument, are renewable.
Lionel Hampton Scholarships ($500--not renewable): awarded to first-year students who have demonstrated high proficiency in a musical instrument and strong potential in jazz performance.
Other named scholarships, such as the William F. O’Connor, Wilbur and Alyse Smith Cooper, and Alyse Smith Cooper Scholarships, are based on need and may be awarded at the discretion of the Financial Aid office.
Currently enrolled students who wish to be considered for music scholarships should contact Eric Pritchard, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee.
Prospective students who would simply like their musical abilities to be considered during the admissions process are encouraged to send a CD which demonstrates accurately their performing and musical abilities with their application to Admissions.
For more information, please contact Susan Dunn, Director of Undergraduate Studies.