Music and Creative Talent Scholarships

Find, nurture, and expand your artistic horizons while earning scholarship dollars! Creative talent opportunities can add up to $3,000 to your financial aid award—or audition for a music scholarship to earn up to $5,000.

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Scholarship Information

Scholarships are open to incoming first-year students and transfer students, no matter the major.

  • Music scholarships for both new first-year students and transfer students are determined by the band, choir, or show choir director. No applications are required.
    • Students honored with All-State selection are awarded a minimum of $5,000 annually for four years or eight semesters.
    • Audition can increase one's scholarship up to $8,000.

  • For Art & Design and Writing, yearly scholarships of up to $3,000 for incoming first-year students and $2,000 for transfer students are available.
    • Applications are required for scholarships in writing and art & design.

To be eligible, you must be admitted to Mount Mercy as a full-time, degree-seeking student. Priority date for first-year student audition/interviews is March 1.

Can't make it to campus? YouTube videos, recordings, and other venues can be used to accommodate busy schedules and travel complications.

Note: Students may only receive one music, creative talent, or athletic scholarship in addition to their MMU academic award. 

Scholarship Criteria and Renewal Requirements

Participation is reviewed annually, and renewal is determined by each program coordinator. Recipients must meet standard requirements for financial aid awards and successfully meet participation requirements.

Application Criteria

Submit a portfolio of 10–12 artworks (any medium) plus sketchbooks (optional). Digital images of work may substitute for actual work. An interview with faculty via phone/Skype/in person will be scheduled post submission.

Renewal Requirements

Be an active member of the Art Club and participate in Art Club events and receptions. Take at least 1 class per year that focuses on fine arts, graphic design, or art education.

Audition/Application Criteria

In-person audition or a recording of your performances will be accepted. Instrumentalists should perform at least five minutes of music, solo, or ensemble that demonstrates the range and technical ability.

Renewal Requirements

Be a member of the University Band and participate in University Band ensemble every semester.

Audition/Application Criteria

An in-person audition or a performance recording will be accepted. Vocalists should perform at least five minutes of music, solo, or ensemble that demonstrates range and technical ability

Renewal Requirements

Be a member of the University Choir and participate in University Choir ensemble every semester.

Audition/Application Criteria

An in-person audition or a performance recording will be accepted. Vocalists should perform at least five minutes of music, solo, or ensemble that demonstrates range and technical ability

Renewal Requirements

Be a member of the Mount Mercy's Show Choir and participate in Show Choir ensemble every semester.

Application Criteria

Please submit 5 to 10 pages of sample work. We're especially eager to see your creative writing (poetry, short stories, personal essays, novel excerpts), your journalism (editorials, features, news stories, sports coverage, movie or book reviews), or any essays about literature.

Renewal Requirements

Serve on, and contribute to, at least 1 student publication each year (Paha Review or Mount Mercy Times); take at least 1 writing or literature class per year beyond composition; participate in at least two Visiting Writer Series events per year.

Questions?

Art & Design Jose Clemente jclemente@jdzruiran.com 
Band Jack Frank jfrank@jdzruiran.com
Vocal Music Gerry Kreitzer gkreitzer@jdzruiran.com
Show Choir Kent Keating kkeating@jdzruiran.com
Writing Mary Vermillion vermill@jdzruiran.com
General Questions Office of Admissions admission@jdzruiran.com

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