Music Can Open Doors: Future You, Future College

Objective: Students will begin to understand that their musical talent can lead to college opportunities and scholarships. They will learn what scholarships are, where they come from, and how starting early builds a strong foundation for success.

Classroom Prompt:
"Did you know there are people and organizations out there who want to give you money because of your music talent? It’s called a scholarship—and the earlier you learn how they work, the more prepared you’ll be when high school comes around."

Let your practice today fuel your path tomorrow. The effort you give your music now could someday help pay for college!

Assignment: Explore & Imagine

1. Search: With help from a parent, teacher, or counselor, go to Accoladi.com or search online for a real scholarship that helps music students. It could be for high school, college, or even younger students.
2. Fill Out Your “Future Me” Card:
   On a sheet of paper or the worksheet your teacher gives you, answer:
   • 🎓 Name of the scholarship you found:
   • 🏢 Who gives it out?
   • 🎵 What kind of music student are they looking for?
   • 📅 What would you have to do to get ready for something like this?
   • 🎯 One thing I can start doing this year to become a stronger musician:
3. ✨ Optional Extra Credit:
   In 1–2 sentences, share your dream college or music program and what you imagine yourself playing or studying there.

Submission Details:

• Due Date: _______________________________
• Format: Neatly written on paper or submitted online through [Google Classroom / Canvas / email, etc.]

Your Scholarship Starter Map: Planning Ahead for Music College Costs

Objective: Students will understand the importance of beginning scholarship research and applications during their junior year to secure non-institutional funding opportunities—especially those supporting music and performing arts majors.

Classroom Prompt:
“Did you know that some of the scholarships you need for college have deadlines before your senior year even begins? What if the difference between going to your dream school or settling for your backup came down to applying now, instead of later?”

Why This Matters:
Your musical talent isn’t just a passion—it’s a financial asset. Planning early can unlock powerful opportunities and help you make smart college choices.

Assignment Instructions:

1. Read: Read the article “Don’t Panic: Paying for College Starts Here and Now” on Accoladi.com
2. Research 3 Scholarships: At least one must be due before December 15 of your senior year. Use sources like:
   • Accoladi.com
   • College Board Scholarship Search
   • GoingMerry.com
   • Local arts foundations or music organizations
3. Create a Scholarship Chart: For each, include:
   • Scholarship Name
   • Website / Link
   • Eligibility Criteria
   • Application Deadline
   • Required Materials (e.g., letters, recordings, FAFSA, essay)
   • Award Amount
   • Audition or Portfolio Requirements
4. Reflection (200 Words): Write about:
   • How this changes your college planning
   • Any surprising deadlines
   • Your next step to stay on track

Submission Details:

• Due Date: ____________________
• Format: Typed and submitted via [Google Classroom / Canvas / printed copy]
• Optional: Share your top scholarship find in a 1-minute spotlight!

“Wait—College Costs How Much?” Why Now Is the Time to Start Thinking Ahead

Dear __________________________ Parents,

I know... your child is only in middle school. We’re just trying to remember concert black and stay in tune right now, right?

But here’s something I’ve learned after years of teaching: the students who end up thriving in high school music and getting college scholarships aren’t always the ones with the most talent.

They’re the ones whose families knew to start early.

That’s why I want to personally encourage you to read this short but powerful article on Accoladi.com called: “Don’t Panic: Paying for College Starts Here and Now.”

It’s not just for seniors. In fact, it might be most important for families like yours—parents of students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade who are beginning to see that music isn’t just an extracurricular... it might be part of your child’s future.

This article explains:

• Why some scholarships for musicians are awarded before senior year even begins
• How your family’s financial planning can affect college options earlier than you think
• Where students can find music-specific scholarships and audition opportunities
• Why practicing now (and sticking with music through high school) can literally pay off

We’re not trying to rush anyone into grown-up decisions. But we are trying to make sure our students don’t miss out on life-changing opportunities just because no one told them the timeline.

I’ve seen former students—some from our very school—go on to earn serious scholarship money just because they stayed committed, recorded an audition early, or filled out one extra application. And I’ve also seen incredibly gifted kids give up their first-choice school because they didn’t know where the funding was or when to apply for it.

You don’t have to figure it all out today. But reading this article is a great first step: “Don’t Panic: Paying for College Starts Here and Now” on Accoladi.com

Thanks for supporting your child’s music journey—and for dreaming big right alongside them.

Musically Yours,
___________________________________________________
[Director’s Name and Position]
_________________________________________________________
[School Name]

Your Child’s Talent Could Help Pay for College—But Only If We Start Now

Dear _______________________________ Parents,

Let me be real with you: I’ve watched too many talented students hang up their dream school hopes—not because they didn’t have the skill, drive, or acceptance letter… but because the money didn’t line up in time.

And most of the time? It wasn’t because there wasn’t money out there. It was because they didn’t know when to start looking—or where.

That’s why I’m asking you—yes, even if your student is only a junior, or even a sophomore—to please read this article we’ve posted on Accoladi.com: “Don’t Panic: Paying for College Starts Here and Now.”

It’s not just another dry breakdown of FAFSA and financial aid. It’s actually something I wish every family in our program would read by the time marching season ends. Why?

Because scholarships don’t magically appear in April. Many are due by May 1 or June 15 of your student’s junior year—right when you’re thinking about summer vacation, not scholarship essays.

I had a student a few years ago—let’s call her Maya. Principal trumpet, straight-A student, multiple All-State appearances. She was accepted into a top-tier music program... but when the financial aid package came, the numbers didn’t work. She never applied for a single outside scholarship. By December of her senior year, she had already “settled” for a school she wasn’t excited about—just because she and her family didn’t know they needed to start earlier.

That doesn’t have to happen to your child.

Here’s what this article lays out:

• Where to find non-institutional scholarships (yes, there are music-specific ones!)
• Why FAFSA matters even if you think you won’t qualify
• What deadlines matter before senior year even begins
• How your child’s musical talent can actually be part of the plan to afford college

Plus, it includes student action checklists, links to legit scholarship directories, and even videos on how to apply. If you’re overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this is the guide you’ve been waiting for.

Let’s be clear: your child has talent. Passion. Dedication. Let’s not let cost become the reason they don’t pursue what they love.

Read the full article, “Don’t Panic: Paying for College Starts Here and Now” on Accoladi.com

Let’s stay proactive, not panicked.

With Appreciation for All You Do,
___________________________________________________
[Director’s Name and Position]
_________________________________________________________
[School Name]