Richard Dickens Music Scholarship Fund

What you will need

• ✓ Completed application form
• ✓ Copy of your official transcript
• ✓ Letter outlining how you fulfill the selection criteria
• ✓ Letter of recommendation from your school music teacher
• ✓ Letter of recommendation from a character reference
• ✓ Essay on 'What roles do I envision music playing in my life' (maximum 500 words)

About this award

You can receive one award of $2,000 per year for up to four years. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you have shown exceptional skill and achievement in music and want to pursue a career as a musician, performer, or music educator. You must apply by March 31st. If you are chosen, you have until December 31st of the year following the year you were awarded to claim the funds. Contact BC Interior Community Foundation to confirm exactly how and when you will be notified of the result. A committee of music teachers from School District No. 73, private music teachers, and local music organization representatives chooses the winner based on your performance, academics, leadership, and involvement in school music. Ask BC Interior Community Foundation how many people typically apply so you can gauge the competition. The money is sent directly to your account at an eligible post-secondary institution once you provide proof of registration to BC Interior Community Foundation via email. This ensures the funds go toward your schooling. To keep the scholarship for multiple years, you must submit proof that you are continuing your studies. Confirm with BC Interior Community Foundation if there are specific GPA requirements you need to maintain to stay eligible.

Who qualifies

You must be a graduating student from School District No. 73 who will be pursuing full-time study in music at a recognized post-secondary institution. This includes programs leading to careers as musicians, performers, or music educators. You are only eligible if you graduate in the same year that you submit your application.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to high school students
• ✓ Resident of British Columbia
• ✓ Studying music

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Order your transcript1–2 weeks

   Your school's registrar can take a week or two.

3. 3

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

4. 4

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

5. 5

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• EssayAvoid writing a generic history of music. Instead, focus on the specific roles you envision music playing in your own life. Keep your response under the 500-word limit.
• ReferencesAvoid asking a general teacher for a letter. Instead, ask your school music teacher and a character reference who can speak specifically to your leadership and teamwork in musical settings.
• StrategyAvoid submitting edited audio clips. Instead, record two contrasting selections in single, unedited takes to show the committee your raw technical ability.
• RealismAvoid ignoring the deadline. Instead, gather your official transcripts and recording links early so you can submit everything by March 31st.

Questions students ask

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