Since 2010, Tosco Music has awarded more than $64,000 to help 135 youth and adult musicians further their skills. See 2026 winners here.

Please note, there is only one application form for all scholarship opportunities. January 15 is the last day to apply and awards are announced by February 1. Check back soon for the 2027 Application.

Tosco Music Scholarships are made possible by support from individual donors and community partners. To make a tax-deductible donation for scholarships directly, please write Scholarships in the Donation Note when you donate here.

Tosco Music Scholarships provide flexible assistance with music-related expenses. Eligible expenses include and are not limited to:

• music lesson fees
• musical instruments
• tuition for music camp experiences
• other music education expenses 

To apply, applicants must submit a complete application which includes: 

• Contact email and phone number applicant, and also for a parent/legal guardian for applicants age 17 and younger
• A letter from the youth applicant in their own words – please describe your interest in music and history of involvement, reasons you would like to receive the scholarship, and ways you hope to benefit
• A video of applicant playing instrument
• A photo to be used in scholarship award notices
• Letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor in music
• Supporting information that clearly indicates the total amount requested and confirms specific expenses; this may include a provider’s written quote for music lesson fees, or retail cost estimate for an instrument, etc.
• Supporting documentation must include payee name, phone number, email and mailing address for scholarship funds to be paid directly to the provider of music education or instruments
• Confirmation of acceptance into the music program for which funds are being considered (when applicable)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must reside within the following 10 counties: Mecklenburg, York, Union, Gaston, Cabarrus, Iredell, Rowan, Lancaster, Lincoln, Chester.
• Applicants must not be Tosco Music staff members, members of the Board of Directors, Review Panel members, or any of these groups' students or immediate family members.
• Applications must not have been awarded a Tosco Music Scholarship within the previous 12 months.
• Scholarship funds will not be awarded for instruction, services, or equipment purchased from Tosco Music Staff, Board Members or Panel Review members. 
• Scholarship funds must be used for expenses occurring at least 30 days following the application deadline and will not be awarded to cover expenses that have previously been paid.

A virtual or in-person interview may be requested at the discretion of the review panel.

Performance Opportunities - Tosco Music Scholarship winners may be invited to perform at Tosco Music Community Outreach performances. On occasion, scholarship winners have been offered the opportunity to perform at Tosco Music Party at Knight Theater.

Learn more about Tosco Music Scholarship opportunities below. Questions? Please email: scholarships@toscomusic.org.

JACOB TITUS YOUTH MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPs (AGES 17 AND UNDER)

The Jacob Titus Youth Music Scholarship serves youth (17 and under) who have a passion for music by providing flexible music scholarships to assist with music-related expenses, including but not limited to: music lesson fees, musical instruments, instrument repairs, tuition for music camp experiences or other music education expenses. No deadline to apply. Learn more here.

SWANNANOA GATHERING SCHOLARSHIPs (ages 12 & above)

Tosco Music offers both youth and adult scholarships to The Swannanoa Gathering in partnership with Warren Wilson College. These scholarships cover tuition + room & board for the week-long immersive summer music programs taught by some of the best instructors in the world. Learn more here.

Arts+ MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP (Grades K-12)

Arts+ offers music lessons and summer music camps for aspiring musicians in kindergarten through twelfth grade. These opportunities provide students with a unique opportunity to learn under the leadership of professionals while developing their skillset. Learn more here.