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Department of

Music

Choral Scholars

The University of San Diego Choral Scholars is an auditioned vocal ensemble composed of musically gifted students of high academic caliber. The Scholars are in great demand and maintain a repertoire that includes all periods of music as well as significant multi-cultural/non-western literature. In addition to maintaining an extremely active and demanding domestic performance schedule, The Choral Scholars -combined with the USD Concert Choir- present "Lessons and Carols" a Christmas Choral program with full orchestra that is televised on COX Cable (Channel 4) in December. On the international level, The Choral Scholars are regularly invited to peform throughout Europe -- Russia (2011) France (2009), Poland and the Czech Republic (2008), Italy (2007) etc.

In addition to the substantial financial award (applied toward tuition expenses) provided to students selected for one of the 12 highly coveted Choral Scholar positions, recipients are provided with private instruction in voice, advanced choral training, ongoing music theory development and numerous performance opportunities. Choral Scholars serve as soloists and section leaders in the 70-voiced University of San Diego Concert Choir where they provide support preparing major works performed with full orchestra. The University of San Diego provides access to a wide selection of recitals, tours, and other musical productions. Choral Scholar awards are provided for 3 Sopranos, 3 Altos, 3 Tenors, and 3 Basses. In addition, an accompanist and assistant conductor are awarded scholarship funding.

Do you want to be a USD Choral Scholar? Here’s how:

Applications for the 2013-2014 school year are due January 31, 2013. After a preliminary screening and review of candidate materials, applicants will be notified of their status and, if appropriate, invited to USD for final auditions on Saturday, March 16, 2013

For more information about the University of San Diego Choral Scholars, please contact Edwin L. Basilio, Ed.D. at (619) 260-4111 or by e-mail at ebasilio@sandiego.edu.

Students applying to be Choral Scholars, and who would like to be Music Majors, should also consider applying for the various Music Department awards listed below. Please note that the application for these awards is separate from that of the Choral Scholars, and both are separate from applying for admission to University of San Diego.

Music Endowment Scholarships

The Music Endowment Scholarships were established by a gift from the Philip Y. Hahn Foundation. They are offered to music majors who show outstanding promise and demonstrate a desire to contribute to the USD Music Department in a significant way.

Award amount: $1,000 - 15,000 a year.
Number of Scholarships awarded per year: 2-6

Author E. Hughes Scholarship in Music

The Author E. Hughes Scholarship is offered to a music major who demonstrates financial need and merit in music. For both scholarships, the award is renewed if the student continues to meet the criteria.

Award amount: $3,500
Number of Scholarships per year: 1

USD Music Scholarships

These scholarships are available for incoming or continuing music majors who excel in performance, composition, education, or research in music history or culture and show promise of making a strong contribution to the Music Department. Scholarships might also be available to pay for applied lessons on a limited basis for non-majors participating in Chamber Music Ensembles.

Award amount: $540-4,000
Number of scholarships awarded per year: 1-6

Anne Catherine Swanke Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a deserving music major who gives evidence by recitals and performances that they intend to pursue a career in music as a performer. Recipients may be chosen from either currently enrolled students or incoming freshmen.

Award Amount: $2,000 - $4,000
Number of scholarships awarded per year: 1-2

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Incoming students follow the requirements listed below when applying for any music scholarship. Continuing students are either identified by a faculty member or must submit a letter of application outlining their accomplishments in music and their future goals in music.

Application deadline: Thursday, February 27, 2013
(Live auditions are held on March 17; students may also arrange other audition dates.)
Application requirements:
1. Letter of application: Please explain why you want to be a music major at USD and what your career goals are upon graduation.
2.Two letters of recommendation, one from a music professional.
3. Tape or live audition (perform two contrasting selections).
For questions, contact: David Harnish, Ph.D.

All of the Music Department awards – Music Endowment Scholarships, Author E. Hughes Scholarship, USD Music Scholarships, and the Anne Catherine Swanke Memorial Scholarship – require the same application process and applicants may apply for multiple scholarships at once. Scholarship applications must be sent directly to the Music Department; students must also complete the admission application to the University of San Diego through the Undergraduate Admissions Office. You may send application materials for music scholarships either electronically or hardcopy via post. If by mail, please send scholarship applications to:

Music Scholarships
Attn. Dr. Ronald Shaheen
Music Department
Camino Hall 173
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110

If electronically submitted, please send to rshaheen@sandiego.edu