Scholarships and Fellowships for Serious Student Musicians (Wisconsin)

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Pierce Hill Performing Arts is committed to supporting young musicians who are working hard, pursuing artistic excellence, and benefiting from strong musical mentoring. Project Pipeline provides scholarships and fellowships to help students continue their musical training through summer programs, lessons, and other skill-building opportunities.

 

Application window: January 1 – January 31
Awards announced: By February 15

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Apply here: Application Link​

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Who is Eligible

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Wisconsin resident

• Scholarship applicants: currently in grades 6–11

• Fellowship applicants: currently in grades 8–11

• Studying an instrument in one of these families: strings, winds, brass, or harp

• Working regularly with a private teacher

• Demonstrated commitment to serious practice and musical growth

• Financial need (full or partial scholarship support requested)

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Awards Available

Awards are determined primarily by musical merit, with financial need playing a meaningful role in selection and award amounts.

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1) Scholarship Awards

Scholarships help cover tuition for a summer camp, institute, or program.

• Scholarships range up to ~$1,000

• Scholarships are paid directly to the camp/institute (not to the student)

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2) Fellowship Awards

Fellowships support students who are on a strong path and would benefit from deeper investment in their development.

• Fellowships range up to ~$3,500

• Funds may be used for private lessons, coaching, or other study support

• Fellowship recipients participate in progress check-ins with Pierce Hill Performing Arts during the award year

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​Application Requirements

Your application must include:

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1) Personal Statement (300–600 words)

Please share:

• Your musical background and training

• What you are working on right now

• Your goals for the year

• Your practice routine and time allocation

• Your orchestra/band/chamber music program 

• Why this scholarship/fellowship matters for your path

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2) Video Recordings (links)

Please provide links to video recordings that demonstrate your current level.

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Your recordings should include:

• Two contrasting solo pieces (or two contrasting movements)

• One major and one minor scale (up to 4 octaves, if applicable), plus arpeggios.

Tempo guidance (advanced, metronome recommended):

• Eighth notes (1/8): ♩ = 120–144 BPM

• Sixteenth notes (1/16): ♩ = 84–108 BPM

Choose a performance tempo you can play cleanly, evenly, and in tune.

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Guidance: Solo pieces should reflect WSMA Class A solo/ensemble repertoire, or comparable advanced repertoire.

Please make sure your links are viewable and accessible (unlisted YouTube links are fine).

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​​3) Recipient Commitments (Required)

To ensure the award process is smooth, fair, and manageable for everyone, recipients agree to the following:

• Timely communication: The student (and parent/guardian if under 18) will respond to PHPA messages within 3 business days (and sooner when scheduling or payments require it).

• Teacher/program coordination: Recipients will provide accurate contact information for their private teacher and summer program (if applicable) and authorize PHPA to communicate with them as needed to confirm lesson plans, scheduling, and payment details.

• Payment details and deadlines: Required details for payments (registration links, invoices, lesson rates, and payee information) must be provided by the deadlines shared by PHPA. To keep the program moving, if required details can’t be confirmed after follow-ups, PHPA may reallocate funds so we can support other students.

• Performance at Pierce Hill: Award recipients are expected to perform on the Pierce Hill Performing Arts stage during the award year or the following season (date and format coordinated collaboratively).

• Giving back (Fellowships): Fellowship recipients agree to serve as a future Project Pipeline reviewer/judge (typically within 1–3 years), with guidance provided. If a significant conflict arises, PHPA will work with the recipient to identify an appropriate alternative way to give back.

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Questions?

If you have questions about eligibility, recordings, or the application process, please contact us at:

PierceHillPerformingArts@gmail.com

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