Music Scholarships – Music is a universal language that transcends borders and connects people from all walks of life. For Indian students with a passion for music, pursuing their dreams can sometimes be hindered by financial constraints. However, there are numerous music scholarships available that can help aspiring musicians overcome these barriers and nurture their talents.
In this article, we will explore some of the top music scholarships for Indian students, providing information on eligibility criteria, awards, and scholarship providers. This comprehensive guide will serve as a roadmap to unlock exciting opportunities in the realm of music, whether the reader is a college or a school student.
Scholarships for Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields
- The Ministry of Culture offers scholarships to young artists in various cultural and creative fields.
- The aim is to assist talented artists with living expenses and other necessities.
- The scheme supports advanced training in Indian Classical Music, Indian Classical Dance, Theatre, Mime, Visual art, Folk, Traditional and Indigenous Arts, and Light Classical Music.
- Scholars are expected to undergo rigorous training under a music teacher (Guru) or a recognized organization.
- The application procedure is online.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be aged between 18 and 25 as of April 1st of the application year.
- Applicants should have a minimum of 5 years of training under their Guru or in an institution.
- Strong knowledge of the respective field is required as these scholarships are meant for advanced training.
- Artists from any genre of Classical Music, Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Folk Art are eligible to apply.
Benefits
- The scholarship provides INR 5,000 per month for a 2-year period.
Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme (CTSSS)
- The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) initiated the CTSSS program in 1982.
- CTSSS is a national level scholarship program targeting talented children aged 10-14 for specialized training in cultural fields.
- The program covers various cultural disciplines such as traditional music, dance, drama, painting, sculpture, crafts, and literary activities.
- A total of 650 scholarships are awarded annually, with 375 of them being general scholarships.
- The selection process consists of two parts: shortlisting based on the application file and an interview.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be an Indian national.
- They must be aged between 10 and 14.
- They must be enrolled as a student at a recognized institute or belong to a family of practicing artists.
Benefits
- Each selected scholar receives a monthly stipend of INR 3,600.
- An additional amount of INR 9,000 is given as a tuition fee for the music teacher/institution.
Kalakriti Fellowship
- Sanskriti Foundation, a registered Public Charitable trust, offers an exclusive fellowship program for Indian Classical dancers.
- The scholarship aims to encourage dancers and promote the field of performing arts.
- Selected fellows are required to sign an agreement with Sanskriti Foundation, which determines and fixes a regular flow of work for the fellows during the fellowship period.
- Applicants must submit a 2-page CV and samples of their previous works, including projects and performances.
- Notable past fellows include Kathak artist Monisa Nayak and Smt. Ipsita Chatterjee.
Eligibility
- The program is open to all Indian nationals aged between 25 and 40 years.
- Applicants must have a minimum of 10 years of training in Indian Classical dance.
- Additionally, candidates should have given 2-3 solo performances at recognized forums to be eligible for the fellowship.
Benefits
- The fellowship duration is 10 months, during which the artist receives a grant of INR 50,000 in two installments.
Madhobi Chatterji Memorial Fellowship by Sanskriti Foundation
- The Sanskriti Foundation’s Madhobi Chatterji Memorial fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for Indian Classical dancers and musicians to contribute to the advancement of Indian art forms.
- Applicants must submit a 2-page CV and samples of their previous works, including projects and performances.
- Notable past fellows include singer Sanjukta Biswas, Shri Omkar Dadarkar, and Odissi dancer Smt. Shashwati Garai Ghosh.
Eligibility
- The program is open to all Indian nationals in any genre of Indian Classical Music (vocal or instrumental) and Dance (form or choreography).
- Applicants should have received training in their respective field for a certain number of years.
- Additionally, candidates must have given 2-3 solo performances at recognized forums to be eligible for the fellowship.
Benefits
- The fellowship grants a total of INR 1,00,000 to recipients, provided in two installments.
Raga Fellowship
- The Raga Fellowship, initiated by IndianRaga, serves as an entry point for senior artists to be featured in flagship events supported by IndianRaga.
- The fellowship is open to artists of all age groups and genres.
- Selected fellows receive mentoring from the IndianRaga creative panel or designated experts, aiming to enhance their artistic skills.
Eligibility
- There are no specific criteria for applying to the fellowship.
- However, attending IndianRaga jams/shows has been shown to provide an added advantage, as mentioned on the IndianRaga website.
Benefits
- Selected fellows will be featured on IndianRaga’s YouTube channel with a vast subscriber base.
- They will be given opportunities to perform at prestigious live concerts, many of which are paid performances.
- Past IndianRaga artists have performed at esteemed platforms such as the UN General Assembly, Indian Navy, and World Government Summit.
ICMA Scholarship Program
- The Indian Classical Music and Arts (ICMA) scholarship, founded by Mahesh Kale, supports emerging artists pursuing a career in performing arts, specifically music and dance.
- The scholarship is based on both merit and financial need.
- The duration of the scholarship can range from 1 to 6 years, depending on the individual’s need, with annual eligibility assessment.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be serious dancers and musicians, not hobbyists.
- There is an age limit of 18 to 25 years.
- It is mandatory for applicants to be learning from a teacher (Guru) with a minimum training period of 5 years.
- Regular progress reports must be provided to maintain eligibility for the scholarship.
Benefits
- Each scholar receives a maximum of USD 1,200 per year, distributed on a quarterly basis.
10 Scientifically Interesting Facts about Music
- Music has the ability to stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.
- Musical training during childhood has been linked to improved language development and higher IQ scores.
- Different types of music can impact our brainwaves, with classical music often associated with increased relaxation and focus.
- The Mozart Effect suggests that listening to Mozart’s music temporarily enhances spatial-temporal reasoning skills.
- Music has been shown to have pain-relieving effects, with studies indicating that it can reduce the perception of pain and decrease the need for pain medication.
- Music can enhance exercise performance by increasing motivation, reducing fatigue, and improving endurance.
- Singing in a choir or participating in group musical activities can boost the immune system and improve overall well-being.
- Music can improve sleep quality and help individuals fall asleep faster, particularly relaxing instrumental or classical compositions.
- Listening to familiar music can evoke vivid memories and emotions, making it a powerful tool for reminiscence therapy in individuals with dementia.
- Music has been used as a form of therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, helping to improve social skills, communication, and emotional expression.
Music Scholarships – Important Links
| Scholarships | Important Links |
| Kalakriti Fellowship | http://www.sanskritifoundation.org/Kalakriti-Fellowship.htm |
| Madhobi Chatterji Memorial Fellowship by Sanskriti Foundation | http://www.sanskritifoundation.org/Kalakriti-Fellowship.htm |
| Raga Fellowship | https://indianraga.com/fellowship/#1571055411676-47cda7b2-c257 |
| ICMA Scholarship Program | http://www.icmafoundation.org/icma-scholarship-program.html |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I find other music scholarships in India?
Apart from the mentioned scholarships, students can explore opportunities through government initiatives, private foundations, music academies, and universities. Researching online platforms and consulting with music teachers or guidance counselors can help discover additional scholarships.
Can I apply for multiple music scholarships simultaneously?
Yes, it is possible to apply for multiple music scholarships. However, it is important to be mindful of each scholarship's specific eligibility criteria and application requirements. The students must ensure that they meet all the criteria and submit the necessary documents for each application.
Are music scholarships available for both vocal and instrumental musicians?
Yes, these scholarships cater to both vocal and instrumental musicians. However, it is crucial to check the eligibility criteria of each scholarship to determine if the particular musical interest of the applicant aligns with the scholarship's focus.
Do I need to have formal training in music to apply for music scholarships?
While formal training in music can be advantageous, it is not always a mandatory requirement for all scholarships. Some scholarships prioritize raw talent and passion over formal education. However, possessing a certain level of musical proficiency will undoubtedly enhance your chances of securing a scholarship.
What other benefits can music scholarships offer besides financial aid?
Music scholarships can offer a range of benefits besides financial aid. These may include mentorship programs, access to renowned music teachers and experts, performance opportunities, networking with fellow musicians, and exposure to different musical genres and styles. Some scholarships may also provide resources such as musical instruments or studio access, further supporting the development of musical skills.