My Music, My Future

Objective: Students will begin to understand the long-term value of their participation in music, recognizing that the skills they build today can lead to real college opportunities—regardless of their eventual path.

Teaching Moment
For Middle School Director

Talking Points to Share with Students:

• Colleges give scholarships to students who play in ensembles—even if they don’t major in music.
• Schools want great concerts, especially during big events like Christmas—so they offer scholarships to students who can perform at a high level.
• Students who work hard now (learning their parts, taking lessons, improving tone and musicality) are setting themselves up for success later.
• Colleges don’t just look for talent—they look for commitment, leadership, and growth over time. That can start as early as middle school.

Activity: “My Music, My Future”

Assignment: A Personal Musical Vision Board + Reflection Paragraph

Instructions:

1. Create a Visual Vision Board (paper, poster, or digital):
   Include:
   • The instrument(s) you play or want to learn
   • Music goals for the next few years (example: join jazz band, make All-Region, take private lessons)
   • A dream concert moment (example: your solo at a winter concert)
   • A college you think is interesting, and a picture of a college band or choir
2. Write a Short Reflection (Minimum 150 words):
   • Why do you like being in music?
   • What are some ways you’ve grown or want to grow as a musician?
   • How could staying in music help you in high school—or even help pay for college one day?
3. Share: Students can present their board and reflection in small groups or in a gallery walk-style classroom display.

Your Talent, Their Investment

Objective: Students will understand the strategic value of their musical talent in the college scholarship landscape, including how and why institutions offer scholarships for ensemble participation—even to non-music majors.

Discussion Goals:

• Introduce the concept that scholarships are often strategic investments by colleges, not just rewards.
• Help students identify their own strengths and leadership roles in ensembles.
• Encourage proactive preparation for auditions, honor ensembles, and private study to increase their marketability.

Talking Points:

• Colleges use high-level performances to influence donors—students are part of that strategy.
• Music scholarships aren’t limited to music majors. Your hard work and skill now can lead to funding later.
• Donors give during emotional, artistic moments—like holiday concerts. Schools need top-tier ensembles to move those hearts and checkbooks.

Assignment: “Your Talent, Their Investment”
Purpose: To help students reflect on and document their musical journey so far—and begin preparing their scholarship audition profile.

Instructions:

1. Read the Article
   Read the article “Why Colleges Give Big Scholarships for Music — Even If You're Not a Music Major” on Accoladi.com.
2. Reflection Writing (Minimum 300 words)
   Answer the following in complete paragraphs:
   • What surprised you most about how and why music scholarships are awarded?
   • What role have you played in your school’s ensembles so far (instrument/voice, section, leadership)?
   • What are 2–3 specific things you can do this semester to increase your scholarship potential? (e.g., private lessons, All-State audition, solo & ensemble participation)
3. Create Your Musical Résumé
   Provide bullet points or a formatted résumé sheet including:
   • Instruments you play / voice part
   • Years of experience
   • Ensembles you’ve participated in
   • Any honors or leadership roles (drum major, section leader, etc.)
   • Competitions or adjudicated events you’ve attended
   • Private teacher (if applicable)
   • Future goals for college (include any interest in music or other majors)
4. Turn-In Format
   
   • Submit your reflection and résumé digitally or in hard copy by _______________ [insert date]
   • Be prepared to discuss your insights in class

I Thought We Were Just Getting Better at Scales… Until I Read This….

Dear ______________ Parents,

As a middle school music director, I spend my days tuning clarinets, clapping out rhythms, celebrating squeaky breakthroughs, and helping students find confidence in their sound. I love what I do—but I’ll admit, I sometimes wonder how many people truly understand just how far this all can go.

That changed today.

I read an article on Accoladi.com titled "Why Colleges Give Big Institutional Scholarships for Music — Even If You're Not a Music Major", and it completely reoriented the way I look at our work here. Not just in terms of musical growth—but in real-world, life-changing opportunity for your child.

What I learned was this: colleges offer real scholarship money—sometimes thousands of dollars a year—to students who perform in their ensembles. Not just music majors. Not just virtuosos. But committed, well-prepared performers. Even future nurses, engineers, computer programmers, and teachers.

And here’s what blew me away: Colleges do this because music—especially high-level ensemble performances—helps them raise money from major donors. Those Christmas concerts? They’re not just for applause. They’re where six-figure checks get written. And colleges know: no great concert happens without great students on stage.

So what does this have to do with us?

Everything.

It means that the trumpet your child is learning now... the effort they’re putting into reading rhythms... the joy (and discipline) of making music with others—it all builds toward something bigger. Something fundable. Something that could help pay for college.

Your child may not know what they want to be yet. That’s okay. But if they stay in music, build their skill, and commit to their growth, they are setting themselves up to be seen—not just as creative, but as valuable.

I encourage you to read the article. You can find it at Accoladi.com. It’s clear, it’s powerful, and it helped me see that what we’re doing here—every day in this room—is more than teaching music.

We’re opening doors.

Sincerely,

______________________________________________________
[Director’s Name and Position]

_________________________________________________________
[School Name]

I Just Read Something That Blew My Mind—And It’s About Your Child’s Future

Dear ___________________ Parents,

I thought I understood how music scholarships worked.

I’ve been in this profession a long time. I’ve coached soloists, prepared All-State candidates, written dozens of college recommendation letters. But I just read something on Accoladi.com that completely changed the way I see this program we’re building together—and the potential it holds for your child.

The article is called Why Colleges Give Large Institutional Scholarships for Music — Even If You're Not a Music Major. And let me say this clearly: every parent of a music student needs to read it.

Here’s the part that stunned me: Colleges don’t offer music scholarships just to support the arts.

They do it to raise money.

Big money.

Six-figure donation kind of money.

You see, performances—especially Christmas concerts—are massive fundraising events for universities. Donors come expecting excellence. Emotions run high. The music stirs something in them. And in those moments… they give.

Which means the school needs strong ensembles. And strong ensembles require strong performers.

That’s where our students come in.

And that’s where the scholarship dollars go.

This flipped a switch in me. I’ve always believed in the power of music to transform lives. But now I see it in economic terms too: Our students’ dedication—their hours of practice, their leadership in rehearsal, their passion on stage—has actual, measurable value.

Even if they don’t major in music.

Even if they become nurses, engineers, computer programmers, or business leaders.

If they audition, participate, and perform—they can be awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships. Because their sound helps schools attract donations, elevate concerts, and expand their endowments.

So yes, I’m stunned. But more than that, I’m excited. Because it means the program we’re building here—this very stage, this very rehearsal room—is a launchpad not just for creativity, but for college affordability.

Please take a few minutes and read the article on Accoladi.com. Let it inspire you the way it inspired me. And then talk to your child. Ask them what they want their music to do for them—not just today, but for their future.

Because now we know: It’s more than notes and rhythms. It’s opportunity.

I’m Renewed and Excited,

______________________________________________________
[Director’s Name and Position]

_________________________________________________________
[School Name]