Lehigh University Music Department

Merit Scholarships

The Music Department offers several Scholarship opportunities for gifted students.

LEHIGH UNIVERSITY PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS IN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Performing arts scholarships, at a value of $3,000 per year, are awarded to three entering first-year students in music each year. Open to students in any academic major or program, these scholarships are renewable for four years and recognize students with exceptional musical talent. The students must participate in at least one major ensemble, such as Orchestra or Jazz Ensemble, improve musically by taking private lessons, which will be provided as part of the scholarship, and remain in good academic standing.

LEHIGH UNIVERSITY BAKER GIFTED ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS IN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

The Dorothy and Dexter Baker Gifted Arts Students Scholarships provide annual awards of $3,000 (renewable in each of four years) to students from the Northeast Pennsylvania region who demonstrate an outstanding talent in instrumental music. A student who receives a Baker Scholarship in instrumental music may major or minor in any subject but must participate in at least one major ensemble, such as Orchestra or Jazz Ensemble, and improve musically by taking private lessons, which will be provided as part of the scholarship. All students who receive a Baker Scholarship must maintain at least a 2.8 grade point average as an undergraduate. Recipients will be expected to participate in at least one major ensemble, such as Orchestra or Jazz Ensemble.

Lehigh alumnus Dexter Baker and his wife, Dottie, established the scholarships. Dexter Baker is the former CEO of Air Products and Chemicals.

CUTLER-SAMETZ ENDOWED CHORAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS

Talented singers are eligible for these scholarships of $2,500 per year (renewable in each of four years) as well as free vocal lessons. Recipients of Choral Arts Scholarships must demonstrate academic excellence and will be expected to maintain a 2.8 average or better at Lehigh. You may major and minor in any subject but you will be expected to join the University Choir, a 50-voice, auditioned ensemble that tours regularly throughout the U.S. and Europe. The Choir also joins the University Choral Union several times each year to perform large works with orchestra.

The scholarships are named in honor of Robert B. Cutler, director of the Lehigh Glee Club from 1954-1979, and Steven P. Sametz, director of Lehigh Choral Arts from 1979 to the present.

SNYDER FAMILY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MARCHING BAND

These scholarships provide an annual award of $1,000 the first year and an increasing amount each succeeding year (renewable in each of four years) to students who demonstrate an outstanding talent in instrumental music. Recipients of a Snyder Scholarship must participate in the Marching Band and improve upon their talents by taking private lessons, provided as part of the scholarship. Snyder Scholars may participate in as many departmental ensembles Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, or Wind Ensemble as they wish. All students who are awarded a Snyder Scholarship must maintain at least a 2.8 grade point average as an undergraduate.

The scholarships were established in the fall of 2000 by alumnus Joseph Snyder and family.

To apply for the Performing Arts Scholarship/Baker Scholarship/Choral Arts Scholarship/Snyder Marching Band Scholarship:

Application Form

Complete an application form and submit it with a letter describing your musical background, a recommendation from a music teacher, and a five-to seven-minute CD or tape comprised of two contrasting selections. (Choral Arts applicants should submit two classical selections: at least one in a foreign language.) Label the recording with your name, instrument, address/phone, and the titles and composers of your selections. If you are applying for more than one scholarship, a separate application and materials packet should be sent for each scholarship program. The deadline is January 15. Send this application to:

Please do not submit electronic sound files through email (mp3's, etc.) Our email system is not equipped to accept them for your application.