A MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP
Who: The Gracias Music Foundation (GMF) is dedicated to strengthening the state of music education through
outreach activities in local communities, performing world class musical concerts, and providing master classes
taught by distinguished musicians. They look to support those students who have grit and passion for music but
are unable to pursue their instrumental talents, due to either financial difficulties or substantial circumstances at
home or in their communities.
What: The Gracias Music School students funded by the GMF are hosting a Classical Music Concert and
Scholarship Night for middle and high schools, as well as associations to provide opportunities for young
people to accomplish their dreams in music. Students in middle or high school are given the chance to perform,
along with the GMF students, through a scholarship that is being offered to students with the backstory of their
love of music and what kept them from pursing their passion in music. Each Principal/Director at a Los Angeles
middle or high school, music foundation, or music school may have any number of their students apply,
whereby then the students will submit an application, a recording (this can be sent in by email/link to a
previously performed piece). Once those students and their music are evaluated, they will be informed if they
were selected to receive the award. The winners of the award will be honored at the music concert through an
award ceremony and will be given the chance to give a brief speech before performing. Accompanied by the
GMF music students, the awardees will also perform as an orchestra, in which case they will need to dedicate 2
hours a day of practice with the GMF students from July 1st to the 3rd. Four instrumental awardees will be
selected to perform a solo and can choose to invite students within their school’s music department to
accompany them in their performance. Jazz is acceptable.
When: The event starts July 10, 2016 at 7:00pm. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2016.
Why: We strive to strengthen music education for students and to bring about individuals with a positive
mindset that will deliver change to their families, communities, and ultimately the world.
Media Contact:
Jonathan Ortega
Public Relations Assistant Director
Office: 3500 W. 1st Street Los Angeles, CA 90004
Phone: 702-624-4097
Email: J.ortega@graciasmusicfoundation.org
1
Overview:
The Gracias Music Foundation scholarship was founded to support those students who wish to pursue their musical
talents but are unable, due to lack of finances and/or personal responsibilities at home or work. We know that life
sometimes gets in the way of accomplishing a dream, and are aware of the countless barriers that occur, sometimes
unexpectedly. We strive to strengthen music education for students and to bring about individuals with a positive
mindset that will deliver change to their families, communities, and ultimately the world.
To be eligible for the Gracias Music Foundation scholarship, you must meet the below criteria. Applicants must:
• Have a strong passion and love for music
• Be a promising music student with demonstrated music ability who is a middle or high school student in a
public or private facility in the Los Angeles area.
• Demonstrate financial need
• Demonstrate grit, potential, and ambition when faced with hardship at school and within the community
Deadline to apply: June 30, 2016
Each principal/music instructor at a Los Angeles will be able to nominate five students to apply for this scholarship,
whereby then the students will go through an interview process. Once those students and their music are evaluated, they
will be informed if they were selected to receive the award. Accompanied by the GMF music students, the awardees will
also perform as an orchestra, in which case they will need to dedicate 2 hours a day of practice with the GMF students
from July 1st to the 3rd. The music concert will be held on July 10, 2016. Four instrumental awardees will be selected to
perform a solo and can choose to invite students within their school’s music department to accompany them in their
performance. Jazz is acceptable.
Awards Per Quarter: 10
Award Amount:
• $500 – 4
• $1,500 – 2
• $1,000 – 3
• $2,000 – 1
The Gracias Music Foundation retain the right to award each applicant based on the following:
1. An interview in which the applicant will be evaluated on:
• Demonstrated need for financial assistance
• Individual determination to succeed
• Ability to communicate the hardships you have overcome or currently face
• Future goals and plans to achieve them
• Self motivation in completing challenging coursework
2. A musical recording/audio that may be sent in by email (this may be a link to a previous recording), including two
contrasting pieces that should not exceed a combined total of 15 minutes. Audio files should be provided in mp3
(preferred) or wma format. Video files should be supplied in mp4 (preferred) or MOV format.
3. A letter of recommendation from your school’s principal or music director (including their telephone number) this
may be submitted apart from all other material at a later time.
2
Music Scholarship Audition Application
Each Los Angeles Middle or High School will be able to nominate any number of students to apply for this scholarship, whereby then the
students will go through an interview/audition process. Once evaluated, they will be informed if they have been selected to receive the
award. Recordings of digital audio or video performance, including two contrasting pieces should not exceed a total of 15 minutes, and
should be provided in mp3 or wma format, or link to previous performance. Video files should be in mp4 or MOV format. Application
audio/videos will not be returned. The deadline for the music scholarship application will be June 30 of the application year. (Please type or
print clearly.)
Name _______________________________________________________________
Last
First
Middle
Date ________________
MM/DD/YY
Address ______________________________________________________________________________________
Street
City
State
Zip
Home Phone ( _____ ) ___________________
Cell Phone ( _____ ) ___________________
Email _____________________________________________________________
School _______________________________________________
Name
City, State
Graduation _____________Grade __________
MM/YY
Number of years studying music/instrument? __________________________
What instrument(s) are you able to play competently? Please List: _______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Musical Experience (Please check all that apply):
Orchestra
Band
State Ensemble
School Choir
Other: ____________
Please answer each of the following questions in 150-200 words (Attach a separate page with your printed answers):
1.Explain in detail how you came to pursue music?
2.Name a specific difficult situation that you faced in your life concerning music, and how you overcame it.
3.How important is this scholarship to you and what are your plans if you were to receive this scholarship?
How did you hear about The Gracias Music Foundation? _______________________________________________
Performing area(s) in which you will audition (piano, voice, or other instrument): ___________________________
I have read the above statements and agree to the terms and conditions. I authorize any footage/recordings taken
of said applicant to be used for any GMF or GMF related entities. By filling out the application if sponsored, I
agree to use the funds for music education purposes only pertaining to college,
music classes, coaching, and all other music related entities.
All Applications must be received no later than: June 30,
2016
Please send the completed application and labeled music files to: P.O. Box 57264, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Or email to: J.Ortega@graciasmusicfoundation.org
3