Financial Aid & Scholarships
As a music student, several sources of financial aid are available to you:
Community Music Division (CMD)
Other sources for financial aid
Music Scholarships
Music Scholarships are awarded initially on the basis of two criteria: (1) excellence in an applied music audition, and (2) demonstration of individual potential to develop performance skills. These scholarships are not based on need, but are mostly talent-based. Auditions for continuing students are held each spring for the following academic year
Music Scholarships may be renewed each quarter for up to twelve quarters. Scholarships range from $500 a year to full tuition. Less than 1/3 of all music students are on music scholarships. Please contact Dr. Randall Paul at randall.paul@wright.edu or (937)775-2508 for more information.
For a list of Music Scholarships, go to http://www.wright.edu/music/students/prospective/scholarships.html.
Academic Requirements:
- Every quarter the student
must:
- Earn an A or a B in applied music and in the assigned major music ensemble
- Not earn an X in any required music course
- By the end of the third quarter of full-time enrollment at WSU the freshman or transfer student must have earned a cumulative (all courses) GPA of 2.5 or better.
- After the third quarter or 45 credit hours, the student must continue to earn a quarterly GPA (all courses) of 2.5 or better.
- Transfer students must meet the same criteria of 2.5 by the end of their third quarter or completion of 45 credit hours at Wright State.
Applied Music Requirements
The student must study applied music for 2 or 4 credits per quarter in the applied music area which awarded the scholarship until degree requirements have been met. (An exception to this requirement may be made during the quarter of student teaching for Music Education majors.)
The student must progress satisfactorily in applied music (no retentions). In extraordinary circumstances, the Applied Board, which awarded a scholarship, may grant an exception to this policy.
Further information about Music Scholarships can be obtained from the Coordinator of Music Scholarships, Dr. Paul, at randall.paul@wright.edu or (937)775-2508.
ARTSGALA Scholarships
ARTSGALA Scholarships are special scholarships given to the departments of Music, Theatre and Art. Funding for these scholarships comes from a special event held in late March or early April of each year called the ARTSGALA. The Music, Theatre and Art departments help organize and prepare, as well as perform at this fund raising event held in the CAC.
Students must qualify for this scholarship by filing a FAFSA form, qualifying for financial need, be recommended by the faculty for superior performance ability, and their permanent residence must be in the Dayton area. These scholarships are very prestigious and the students chosen receive publicity exposure at the ARTSGALA. The recipients are required to have a publicity photograph taken, at the Department’s expense, and to write a one-page biography for publicity by local media. These selected recipients are also expected to help prepare for, perform at, and be visible during the ARTSGALA.
University Scholarships
University Scholarships are available from the university. Criteria vary with each award. Contact the Office of Financial Aid, (937)775-5721 or on the web at http://www.wright.edu/admissions/finaid/
Government Grants and Loans
- Ohio Instructional Grant
- Basic Educational Opportunity Grant
- National Direct Student Loan Program
Applications need to be filed with the appropriate agency. The Office of Financial Aid will supply the necessary forms and assist in their completion. Call them at (937)775-5721 or on the web at http://www.wright.edu/admissions/finaid/
Student Employment
Student Employment: The Office of Financial Aid employs hundreds of students for various university jobs. Students who are financially eligible are encouraged to apply for the federally supported College Work-Study program. Work-Study pays a large percentage of the student's salary. Therefore, supervisors who have limited funds can employ up to four work-study students for every student paid with regular wages. The Music Department does have a policy of selecting work-study students over those students who are not eligible for work-study. Therefore, it may be to your advantage to determine your eligibility for this program before applying for these positions.
The Department of Music employs Music majors as ensemble librarians, stage managers, recording technicians, and accompanists. All office workers must be non-music majors due to student privacy issues.
Community Music Division (CMD)
Community Music Division (CMD) is a program in the Department of Music that allows Music students and faculty to teach non-credit, applied music lessons in the Creative Arts Center. Those teaching these classes are compensated financially for this teaching. For more information on teaching CMD classes, contact Victoria Chadbourne in M153 CAC, victoria.chadbourne@wright.edu or at (937)775-2787.
NOTE: Anyone teaching lessons for a fee on Wright State University property, whether in the CAC or not, must go through the CMD program. Failure to do so is in violation of state law and constitutes a criminal offense.
Other sources for financial aid
A variety of non-Wright State University financial aid resources are available to qualifying students. Although the agencies that provide these resources are not affiliated with Wright State University or the Department of Music and although Wright State is in no way responsible for any information given by these agencies, prospective students might consider exploring these resources.www.MusicScholarships.us MusicScholarships.US provides information on music scholarships, grants, competitions and awards resources for students preparing for a career in music. Their database of public and private Music Scholarships and competition awards for undergraduate/graduate school is regularly updated.
