The Global Harmony Music Scholarship aims to bridge cultural divides and enrich the musical landscape by offering aspiring musicians from the United States the opportunity to immerse themselves in non-Western musical traditions. This grant is more than financial support; it's a gateway to cross-cultural dialogue, artistic growth, and global musical fusion. We are committed to helping musicians expand their horizons, bring diverse music back to their communities, and serve as ambassadors of cultural exchange and understanding.
The Global Harmony Music Scholarship helps aspiring musicians to broaden their musical repertoire and connect to other communities by providing the funds and structure for travel and further education.
PROCESS
Download the Application Packet and complete all requirements. Then apply and upload the completed packet.
Applications will be reviewed and students will be notified of their status.
GHMS Recipients will:
Travel to and study music in a non-Western country for a minimum of 8 weeks.
Learn and interact with local music traditions, instruments, and musicians.
Propose a plan for how they will share their experience and the learned music culture upon returning to their community in the US.
Document their experience and learning by sharing regular updates or blog posts.
ELIGIBILITY
Nationality: Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
Educational Status: Currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. university or college, either as an undergraduate or graduate student in a music-related program.
Academic Achievement: Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent.
Musical Background: Demonstrated commitment and talent in music, preferably with a focus on or an interest in non-Western music.
Financial Need: Preference for students who demonstrate financial need.
Applicants must submit all of the following:
Application form
Basic personal, educational, and contact information.
Personal Statement
A 500-word essay explaining the applicant's interest in studying music abroad, how this grant will benefit their musical journey, and their aspirations to act as cultural ambassadors.
Project proposal
Detailed project plan outlining the study objectives, chosen country, music genre of interest, potential institutions or mentors abroad, and a weekly schedule.
Budget
Breakdown of how the $5,000 grant will be utilized (e.g., travel, accommodation, tuition, materials).
Letters of recommendation
At least two, preferably from music professors or professional musicians mentors.
Letters of commitment
Applicants must secure a Letter of Commitment from a music professor or mentor in the country where they plan to study. See Details
Portfolio
Audio/Video samples of the applicant's musical performances.
Statement of Financial Need (as applicable)
Applicants must submit a written statement detailing their financial situation and why they require the grant.
* Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a virtual interview.
The project proposal is required to cover all of the following:
Study Objectives
Primary goal(s): Clear articulation of what you aim to achieve through their study abroad. This might include specific musical skills, cultural understanding, or broader educational objectives.
Relevance: Explanation of how these goals align with your current musical journey and future aspirations.
Selected Country
Why: Reasons for choosing this specific country, including its cultural and musical significance.
Cultural sensitivity: Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural norms and how you plan to respectfully engage with the local culture.
Musical Tradition of Interest
Detailed information about the specific musical tradition you wish to study and why this genre matters to you personally or to your musical development.
Potential Institutions or Mentors Abroad
Identify specific institutions or mentors: Names and details of potential institutions, schools, or mentors in the chosen country that specializes in the desired music genre. Include both first choices and alternatives.
Engagement plan: Preliminary plans or steps taken to establish contact or secure a place in these institutions or with mentors.
Weekly Schedule
Provide a tentative weekly schedule that includes music lessons, practice session, cultural immersion activities and any other relevant engagements. Tip: Build your schedule with flexibility (it is normal that there may be potential changes, so how might you accommodate adapting to the challenges and opportunities?). Demonstrate a balanced approach for allocating time for study, practice, cultural experiences and rest.
Outcomes & Deliverables
Expected learnings: What specific skills or knowledge do you expect to gain?
Documentation plan: How do you plan to document your experiences and learnings (e.g., journaling, blogging, video diaries)? Include cadence.
Impact & Contribution
Cultural exchange: How do you plan to share their experience and the learned music culture upon returning to their community in the U.S?
Long-term vision: How will this experience contribute to your long-term musical and personal development?
This detailed proposal will help the selection committee assess the viability and seriousness of the applicant's project and ensure applicants have thoroughly thought through and planned their study abroad experience.
Applicants must secure a Letter of Commitment from a music professor or mentor in the country where they plan to study.
Content of the Letter
Identification & Contact Information: The letter must clearly identify the professor or mentor, including their name, position, and affiliation with a music institution, school, or organization in the chosen country. Full contact details of the professor or mentor for verification and further communication.
Commitment Statement: A statement confirming their willingness and agreement to mentor or teach the applicant during the proposed study period.
Duration and Nature of Study: Specific details about the duration of the commitment, the frequency of lessons or sessions, and the nature of the study or mentorship.
Goals Alignment: An acknowledgment that the professor or mentor understands the applicant's study objectives and is prepared to support them in achieving these goals.
Benefits to Applicant: A brief description of what the mentorship will entail and how it will benefit the applicant's musical and cultural education.
Submission Guidelines
The Letter of Commitment should be submitted along with the application. It should be on official letterhead, if applicable, and include the mentor’s signature.
If the letter is not in English, an official translation may be required.
This letter will be a critical component of the application, as it demonstrates the applicant's initiative and preparedness for their international study experience. The selection committee may contact the professor or mentor to verify the commitment and discuss the applicant's proposed plan.
Within 12 weeks of returning to US after their travel, the following are due:
Written Essay
A 1500-2000 word essay detailing the student's experiences, key learnings, cultural insights, and personal growth during their study abroad. The essay should also reflect on how the experience has influenced their musical perspective and skills.
Media Presentation
A recorded performance showcasing the musical skills and styles learned during the study abroad. This should ideally include pieces or techniques specific to the studied non-Western music tradition. The performance can be a live concert, a studio recording, or an appropriately produced home recording, depending on the resources available to the student.
Public Performance/Presentation
Upon return, the student is required to organize a public performance or presentation in their local community. This event should showcase the skills and knowledge acquired, and serve to share their experiences as cultural ambassadors.
Community Outreach
Encouragement to engage in at least one outreach activity, such as a workshop or lecture at a local school or community center, to further disseminate the cultural and musical knowledge gained during their stay abroad.
These requirements aim to ensure that the students not only personally benefit from the grant but also contribute to the cultural and musical enrichment of their communities, fostering a broader appreciation and understanding of non-Western music traditions.
Important Dates
April 1
Applications due
April 2 - May 1
An expert panel consisting of music educators, professionals, and past grant recipients will review applications.
