Scholarships
Most music scholarships are awarded based on auditions with the Director of Bands, the Director of Choral Activities, the Orchestra Director, or the Piano Coordinator. Auditions can be scheduled anytime with the appropriate director or coordinator, however students are encouraged to complete the audition process prior to March 1. Exceptions to this are noted beside each scholarship listed below. Although most auditioned scholarships do not require a scholarship application to be on file with the Financial Aid Office, students are strongly encouraged to visit the Office of Student Financial Aid and complete this process to ensure consideration for other scholarships. For more information on any of the following scholarships please call (575) 646-2421 or e-mail music@nmsu.edu.
NMSU Music Major Scholarships
Scholarship audition date is February 18th, 2013
Audition Requirements:
- A prepared etude or solo
- All Major Scales (instrumentalists)
- Sight Reading
To schedule an audition, please contact one of the following:
Winds and Percussion: Debbie Peel, (575) 646-2304
Vocal: Suzanne Dueño, (575) 646-2067
Strings: Jorge Martinez-Rios, (575) 646-1647
Keyboard: Dr. Laura Spitzer, (575) 646-2228
General Music Scholarships
RUTHENA C. KING MEMORIAL
Varying amounts annually for a student who is majoring or minoring in music. If no music major is eligible, award may be made to student who will actively participate in a music program at NMSU. The student will be required to maintain a 2.0 GPA. Recipient must be a resident of Otero County. Apply to the Music Department. Donated by friends of Mrs. King.
SARAH L. WOOTEN SCHOLARSHIP
Eligible candidates must be music majors with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The recipient shall be selected by the Academic Department Head of Music. Donated by Ray Wooten.
VIVIEN B. HEAD SCHOLARSHIPS
Open to undergraduate music majors including incoming freshmen and transfers.
Varying amounts annually to a full-time student pursuing a degree in music, art, or theatre arts. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have need of financial assistance to obtain an education, be of good moral attitude and character, have demonstrated ability and aptitude to pursue their chosen field, and must believe in the free enterprise system. Applications are available in the spring from the Music, Art, or Theater departments. Administered by Wells Fargo Bank, Las Cruces.
Instrumental Scholarships
J.B. FIRKINS BAND SCHOLARSHIP
Awarded to a Deming High School band student who has demonstrated excellence as a high school band student and plays in the NMSU band both semesters of the freshman year. Student must have a 3.0 GPA to apply and must maintain a 3.0 GPA to receive award for two semesters. Apply to NMSU Director of Bands or the Deming High School Band Director. Established by Bruce and Jan Firkins in memory of Jeffery.
PETE THORNBERRY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
An annual award to a student majoring in instrumental music. Recipient must maintain at least 2.75 GPA and must be a U.S. citizen and resident of New Mexico. Financial need is considered. Awarded by Academic Department Head of Music. Donated by Bill Robertson, Citizens Bank.
SELL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Award recipient must be an instrumental music major and participate in a major ensemble. Candidates are selected by the Academic Department Head of Music, the Director of Bands, and the Associate Director of Bands. Established by Frederick W., Norma S, and Lisa M. Sell.
RAY TROSS AWARD FOR WOODWIND EXCELLENCE
Award recipient must play a woodwind instrument and be registered (both semesters) as a member of the University Bands. Recipient must display exceptional playing proficiency on woodwind instruments as judged by the Director of Bands, and must enroll for private studio lessons at NMSU in addition to being a member of the University Bands. Final selection of recipient will be made by the Director of Bands at NMSU in consultation with ad hoc committee comprised of Michael White, John Schutz, and Helen Tross. In the event a vacancy should occur on this committee, the remaining members shall appoint a replacement. Established by friends, family, and students of Ray Tross.
ELEANOR WARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
A freshman recipient may be selected to receive the scholarship on a continuing basis as long as he/she plays in the Pride of New Mexico Marching Band. The selection committee may elect to award one or more scholarships as may be satisfied from the income of the fund per semester or per year. A recipient may receive this scholarship in the spring semester, even though the Pride of New Mexico Marching Band does not meet during that term. The student, however, must be participating in an instrumental ensemble during the spring semester. Established by Jack Ward.
DAN YABUMOTO “UP AN 8VA” MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Award recipient must be a trumpet student who is majoring in music and exhibits extraordinary dedication and work ethic to achieve high performance skills on the trumpet. The recipient mus earn the respect of colleagues and professors by being an example that all strive to achieve. Selection is made by the Music Scholarship Committee, the trumpet professor, and students in the trumpet studio. Established by friends and family of Danny Yabumoto.
ESTALINE AND WALTER NATIONS SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is award to a female band student in the even years and a sophomore Agriculture student in the odd years. Selection made by the Director of Bands.
GODFREY MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP
Varying amounts for musician who performs with the Jazz Ensemble. Selection based on talent, scholastic achievement, and need. Awarded by Director of Bands and Jazz Band Director. Donated by Thelma G. Godfrey.
String Scholarships
LAS CRUCES SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION PERFORMANCE STIPENDS
Varying amounts for string musicians who will perform with the Las Cruces Symphony at NMSU. Applied study on the instrument is required. Apply to Symphony Director, Department of Music. Funded by the Las Cruces Symphony Association.
ISABEL RUTTER ENDOWMENT
Full tuition to a music student studying violin. Selection is made by the Director of the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra.
TESTORE CELLO SCHOLARSHIP
This $2,000 award goes to a student studying cello. There is no ensemble or major restriction. Students must send a letter of interest by December 15 to the cello professor. Applicants will then be selected for an audition and interview. Donated by Paul Thomas and Judith Scott and named for Mr. Thomas’ Testore cello.
Piano Scholarships
LARRY MCGEHEE MEMORIAL PIANO SCHOLARSHIP
Varying amounts each year for a U.S. citizen who is an undergraduate majoring in piano. Apply to Office of Student Financial Aid by March 1. Donated by the family and friends of Larry McGehee.
Choral Scholarships
For information regarding choral scholarships, visit the NMSU Choirs Website.