Los Angeles Music Academy College of Music has announced merit-based scholarships for all the school’s Bass, Drums, Vocal and Guitar Departments are still available; the submission deadline for the Fall 2010 semester is July 5th.Interested domestic and international students demonstrating exceptional musical talent, ability and enthusiasm can apply now and are evaluated based on essays and transcripts, academic promise, results of the performance audition and letters of recommendation.
“The school offers six levels of scholarships in addition to financial aid for its performance degree and diploma programs,” says Tom Aylesbury, President of LA Music Academy. “Amazingly, we’ve noticed that potential students don’t take full advantage of these opportunities which can help significantly lower tuition and financial stress associated with attending high-end colleges. Although the number of scholarship and financial aid applications submitted here is on the rise, a significant amount of scholarship dollars go untapped every semester.”
The school’s scholarships range from a $1,000 “Performance Scholarship” to the coveted $18,000 Charles T. Aylesbury Memorial Scholarship (in honor of Aylesbury’s late father). “Outstanding” Performance Scholarships are $12,000 and awarded to each of the school’s departments every start date.
“We see that applicants don’t present themselves to the best of their ability. This decreases the quality of their submissions and chances of being awarded a scholarship,” says Aylesbury. He says the school’s scholarship committee offers five tips for a potential applicant’s best chance at being awarded a scholarship, including:
1. When answering our questionnaire, be sure to tell us where you see your music career going and how you think we will help prepare you to get there.
2. Keep in mind that scholarship applications are graded on these three categories.
a. Performance
b. Transcripts, letters of recommendation
c. Essay
3. Performance videos are required, therefore production quality and presentation will affect the decision process. Wear more than just your shorts. “No shirt, no shoes, no service!”
4. Essays should demonstrate the dedication of being a future leader in the industry and portray your personality.
5. Spend time on your submission, present yourself professionally and perfect your application and performance as much as possible.
The school’s anticipated 2008 metamorphosis into a NASM (National Association of Schools of Music) recognized college of music, means competition to attend LA Music Academy is higher than ever, with applications up nearly 200 percent over the last year. The school is known for giving its students big responsibilities from day one; whether playing in ensembles with some of Los Angeles’s finest professional studio musicians and performers or having to make their way through one of the world’s most intense lesson plans. “We are looking for future leaders of the music industry,” says Aylesbury. http://lamusicacademy.edu/apply/scholarships.asp