Note: competition for merit awards is intense, and the scholarship budget is small. Students who are young and have not studied piano for long are unlikely to receive a merit award. In determining awards, the Directors may consult with an applicant’s teacher regarding general progress, lesson attendance, practice habits, etc. The deadline for the application is one week before the start date of each semester. Please note that merit award recipients must re-apply for the merit award every semester.
Step 1:
Use the online registration procedure to create your student record. Tuition payment is not required at this time, but it is important that the student is registered in our system for the upcoming semester.
Step 2:
Email your request for a merit award to Dr. Elizabeth Yao elizyao@iu.edu.
What to include in your Letter of Request:
State the reasons why the student deserves a merit-based award. The determination of merit awards is based primarily on the following:
- exceptional ability and promise as demonstrated in performance and lessons
- progress and work ethic (evaluated in consultation with the principal teacher)
- information provided in the application letter
- successful past participation in Young Pianists or other Pre-College music programs
Be specific when writing your letter of request. Among the topics you may wish to address:
- musical activities: recitals, school and church performances, music clubs, summer music camps, etc.
- musical achievements: honors and awards received, competitive auditions won, performances in master classes or selective events, scholarships or grants for music study
- Other considerations: tell us anything else you feel we should know; e.g. you may want to mention the student’s feelings about music, dedication, or musical ambitions; or you may want to discuss special circumstances you would like us to take into account
- A recent video recording of the student’s playing is extremely helpful, but not required.