Emerson Scholarship/Fellowship Program
for Private Study

Each year the MIT Music Section awards scholarships and fellowships to approximately 50 qualified students on a competitive audition basis. The Music Performance Program is generously funded by Mr. Cherry L. Emerson, Jr. (SM, 1941) who was a strong supporter of the arts at MIT for many years. Scholarships and fellowships are awarded based on skill and potential exhibited during live auditions, not on financial need. If you are a beginning musician or are not offered an award, you may still choose to study privately if you can fund your lessons. For advisement about an appropriate instructor, contact the Music Office, 617-253-3210 or email mta-request@mit.edu.

Emerson Scholarship

Scholarships awarded for private study are typically up to $800. Private study is based on a schedule of 10 one-hour lessons per semester. Students must bear the cost of ten one-hour lessons in the fall semester and are responsible for spring costs in excess of $800; scholarships are applied to the spring semester. MIT pays the instructors directly – students do not receive the scholarship money personally. Students who accept the scholarship must commit to a full year of practice and private study and must participate in one of the MIT music groups and in a public performance at the end of the year. Vocal Scholars are also required to participate in the subject 21M.252 Song, on a credit or non-credit basis. This class meets in the fall. Scholars can also petition and audition for approval of a one-hour solo Spring Recital. An application form detailing repertoire and bearing the instructor's signature must be submitted by December 1 to Music Headquarters, 4-246. Once approved by the audition adjudicators, and the date granted, the recital preparation and performance may also be eligible to receive 6 units of elective credit, if requested, in 21M.490/525.

Emerson Fellowship

Qualified upperclassmen and graduate students are eligible to audition for the subject Advanced Music Performance that offers credit for private study. For students accepted to study privately through AMP, 10 one-hour lessons are funded up to $800 per semester by an award of the Emerson Music Fellowship. Students who accept the fellowship must commit to a full year of private practice and study and are required to attend regular master classes/seminars with members of the music faculty. In addition, they must participate in one of the department's performing groups and perform publicly by the end of the academic year. The AMP/Fellowship option is very competitive and only open to students who have completed at least one year of private study at MIT with distinction. As a rule, fewer than 10 performers will be offered fellowships each year. Auditions are held the first weekend after classes start.

Performance Requirement

Emerson Scholars and Fellows are required to participate in one of the following:

21M.401 Concert Choir
21M.405 Chamber Chorus
21M.410/515 Vocal Repertoire & Performance or 21M.252 (FA09)
21M.421 MIT Symphony Orchestra
21M.426 Wind Ensemble
21M.442 Festival Jazz Ensemble
21M.445 Chamber Music Society
21M.451 Piano Accompanying

Auditions

Auditions are required for consideration for either scholarships or fellowships and are usually the weekend following Labor Day.

Applicants perform privately for two or three adjudicators (simultaneously) who are specialists in their particular instrument and style. Each audition lasts up to fifteen minutes, and students may be asked questions about their musical background and interests. Instrumentalists should be prepared to play fifteen minutes of music of contrasting styles and periods that show the complete range of their ability. Vocalists will be required to sing three art songs of different styles, at least one of which should be in English. An accompanist will be available for vocalists – please bring a copy of the music for this purpose. For jazz musicians, improvisation will be part of the audition. For everyone, sight-reading and/or sight-singing may also be requested.

Application Procedure

If you wish to audition for a scholarship or fellowship, click here to submit a completed application or print and mail to: Emerson Music Scholarship Program, MIT Music and Theater Arts, Rm. 4-246, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307.

Late applications will not be accepted and incomplete applications will be discarded. Students wishing to audition on more than one instrument (or for voice and an instrument) must submit separate forms for each audition requested. Audition date/times will be posted on the board front of our offices (next to Rm. 4-243).

Application Deadline: August 15
Auditions: First weekend after Labor day.
Contact: mta-request@mit.edu

 

 

 

“The Chamber Music Society and Emerson Scholarship Program at MIT gave me an unparalleled opportunity to grow as a chamber and solo musician.”

Sherman Jia ’06