Scholarship Opportunities

Since the scholarship program was started in 1993, over $85,000 has been raised and more than 650 area children have received financial aid to pursue their study of the arts. The scholarship program is funded mainly through fundraising activities, such as the Performathon, Barnes and Noble Recital and Book Fair, and other benefit recitals.

A final report is available for the Performathon, which was held March 10, 2012.

Other contributors to the fund include many private donors, Target Stores, the Mary E. Stevens Fund, the DeKalb County Community Foundation, and AG Communication Systems. Consider making a contribution to the fund. Your donation is tax deductible.

Mission Statement
As a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education, the NIU Community School of the Arts is committed to making arts education accessible to all. The mission of the community school is to promote artistic growth among all people in the community. The school encourages lifelong involvement in the arts and to this end, provides a place where students at all levels of ability can come together to experience the arts, regardless of the ability to pay.  

Need Scholarships

The NIU Community School of the Arts’ need scholarship program provides financial assistance to students 18 years old and younger who are interested in arts instruction - either private lessons, classes, or ensembles - but who are unable to pay the full fee. Partial scholarships are allocated by the scholarship advisory board on the basis of need, demonstrated interest, and available funds.  Scholarships are awarded in fall and spring only.

The 2012-2013 need scholarship forms are available online or in the display area outside Room 132, Music Building. The form must be completed and returned to the office by 4:30 p.m., at the beginning of fall and spring semesters, August 27 and January 14. Announcements of awards will be made within one week of the application deadline. Those applying for financial assistance should send the registration fee only ($15) with their form; billing arrangements will be made later.

Those applying for need scholarships must provide requested financial information and a recommendation from a teacher (if possible, by a music teacher). Applications lacking either of these are not considered complete and will not be considered by the scholarship committee.

Talent Scholarships for Young Musicians

Each year, the program awards six scholarships worth $250 to talented musicians who demonstrate during an audition a high level of skill and musicianship. The scholarships are awarded to two students in each of the following grade categories: Elementary (grades 3 - 5), Junior (grades 6 - 8), and Senior (grades 9 - 12). All instruments are welcome. Applicants must be current students in the community school, either studying privately or enrolled in an ensemble. Applicants who take lessons on two instruments may audition on both, but are expected to submit two application forms and pay the application fee twice.

The application form for 2012-2013 are available online or in the display area outside Room 132 Music Building.  All applications must be received by December 12. The auditions are scheduled on January 12 beginning at 1:30 p.m. The award period is for spring and fall semesters 2013.

Honors Recital: A recital featuring the six talent scholarship winners is scheduled for February 16 at 1:30 p.m.     

Note: Those awarded scholarships may not compete for two years (two full cycles) after receiving the award.

The application form for the 2012-2013 competition is available online and in the display area outside Room 132 Music Building.  This competition is for musicians who are 18 years old or younger and who live within a 75-mile radius of DeKalb. Players are expected to perform one memorized movement of a standard concerto or work with orchestral accompaniment. Competitors need not be in the CSA Sinfonia. Winners may not compete again on the same instrument. Details and application forms are available online and in the office. The winner receives a prize of $200 and performs the concerto with the orchestra at the February concert.  Applications are due October 22. Auditions are November 5 beginning at 4:30 p.m.  

Fundraising Events:  Performathon and Barnes & Noble Recital/Book Fair - December 1, 2012

The Barnes & Noble Recital Book Fair is scheduled for December 1 from 2 - 5 p.m.  More information about the event and a participation form are available.  This fundraiser is scheduled every other year in the fall and Performathon is scheduled every other year in the spring. Every student is invited to participate in these fun events.  Both events are fundraisers for the two scholarship programs.  A final report for Performaton 2012 is available.