MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Music Scholarships

Music scholarships are awarded to students from all majors who participate in music ensembles at Kutztown University. However, music majors are given priority consideration. Some scholarships may be renewed for multiple years.

All applicants are considered for available scholarships. Students in an instrumental or vocal area of greater need may receive higher priority in the consideration process. To be considered for music scholarships, students must:

  1. Apply for admission to the University by February 15.
  2. Audition for the music faculty by February 15.

After the above deadline, consideration will be made as scholarship funds permit.  The following scholarships are awarded to students:

  • KU President's Piano and String Quintet Scholarship

    Kutztown University, dedicated to diversity and the fine arts, has designated five full-tuition scholarships to attract international string and piano students. Two violinists, one violist, one cellist, and one pianist will form the KU President's International Piano and String Quintet. Members of the Quintet will also be members of the KU Orchestra and perform on and off-campus. International students with admission requirements questions may contact international@kutztown.edu.

    Additional Materials Required

    • Complete audition for Department of Music and submit a link to video(s) of yourself performing two contrasting works (YouTube or other online video hosting service)
    • Submit two letters of recommendation addressing your academic, musical, and sight-reading abilities.
    • Write a statement that discusses why you know you are the best candidate for this scholarship program and the President's International Piano Quintet
    • Please contact Dr. Jeremy Justeson with questions


    Financial Considerations

    Please note that the scholarship is only for the cost of tuition; you will be required to fund your own administrative fees, room, meals, health insurance, books, and personal expenses. More information about funding requirements is at www.kutztown.edu/studentvisa

  • Mamie Afflerbach Music Scholarship

    Mamie Afflerbach Music Scholarships are awarded for musical achievement, academic standing, and financial need. The scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen, and is renewable each year.

    Scholarship requirements:

    • Minimum "B" high school average
    • One letter of recommendation
    • An in-person audition
    • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

    Upon acceptance, students must:

    • Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA
    • Enroll in applied music courses
    • Participate in large ensembles such as concert band, wind ensemble, choir, marching unit, orchestra or jazz ensemble
    • Participate in small ensembles such as brass, percussion, woodwind, vocal, and string ensemble 

  • Department of Music Scholarship

    This scholarship was established by Department of Music faculty members to provide scholarship assistance for students enrolled as a full-time music major, participates in Department of Music activities, studies privately with a Department of Music faculty member, and has earned a minimum 2.5 GPA.

  • Martha F. Hafer Scholarship for Jazz Studies

    This scholarship was established in 2011 by Martha L. Hafer to provide scholarship assistance for students in the Jazz Studies Program. Scholarship recipients must be registered for a jazz ensemble, demonstrate successful academic progress, and be nominated by the Director of Jazz Studies as scholarship recipients.

  • Dorothy S. Barbera String Scholarship

    The Dorothy S. Barbera String Scholarship was established by Aceste J. Barbera, professor emeritus of music, in loving memory of his wife, to provide scholarship assistance to accomplished string instrumentalist students. Preference is given to students studying violin.

  • Reid F. Lessig Scholarship for Bands

    This scholarship was created in 1994 in remembrance of Reid F. Lessig, instructor, drill designer, and band front coordinator of the KU Band program from 1972-1982. Reid also founded the Graduate Organization of Bands, which has continued to support the band programs at Kutztown University for decades. 

    The scholarship is awarded to students who exhibit the technical ability and leadership skills through involvement in the KU band programs. This one-time scholarship is awarded to students who qualify in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the KU Graduate Organization of Bands.

    Scholarship applicants must be in their first academic year at Kutztown University, and they may be enrolled in any major. An application form can be downloaded and it is also available through the Department of Music Office. 

    Participation in at least one of the following ensembles is required: 

    • Concert Band
    • Wind Ensemble
    • Marching Unit
    • Jazz Ensemble 

  • Earl L. Mayberry Music Scholarship

    Established in memory of Earl "Jim" Mayberry, a dedicated professor of music (1967-1984) by family and friends, to recognize exemplary commitment and accomplishment by a student majoring in music or music education.

    The recipient will be majoring in music or music education, and have completed at least 12 but not more than 20 credits. Preference will be given to a student majoring in trombone.

  • Edwin Schatkowski Music Scholarship

    This scholarship has been made possible through the generosity of the Schatkowski family, who has created an endowed scholarship in recognition of Dr. Schatkowski's years of service and leadership to Kutztown University as a music faculty member. Selection is based on music performance.

  • Esther F. Smith Piano Scholarship

    The Esther F. Smith Piano Scholarship was established by Samuel P. Smith '43 (former President of the Kutztown University Foundation) in memory of his mother, Esther F. Smith '13, to provide an annual scholarship to a worthy student majoring in music. Preference is given to students studying piano. 

  • Rudolf and Flora M. Wertime Music Scholarship

    The Wertime Music Fund was established in 1988 by Selma Wertime Thomson, Professor Emeritus of Music, in honor of her parents. Rudolf Wertime was a concert pianist and chair of the Music Department at Wilson College. Proceeds from the fund are to be used for music scholarships to be given to students who demonstrate exceptional aptitude and potential for growth in musicianship. The Music Department is grateful to Professor Thomson for the establishment of the fund.

    Students in any major at the university may be considered for the Rudolf & Flora Wertime Music Scholarship. Candidates may be requested to interview or audition for the selection committee. Scholarships may be renewed based on annual reviews of the recipient's performance.

  • R.G. Wells Jazz Band Scholarship

    The R.G. Wells Jazz Band Scholarship was established by Richard G. Wells, former director of the Kutztown University Jazz Band, to provide scholarship support for members of the Kutztown University Jazz Band.

    To be eligible, students must be a freshman, sophomore or junior, current member of the Kutztown University Jazz Band, show performing and soloistic skills on their instrument/s, maintain a good academic record, and show leadership qualities.

    Recipients will be selected through a process determined by the Chair of the Department of Music and the Jazz Band Director in consultation with the Graduate Organization of Bands and Mr. Richard G. Wells. Complete the application form to apply.

In addition to the music scholarships, need-based financial assistance is available to qualified students. To be considered for need-based awards, students should file the FAFSA early (by February 1 to meet the March 1 priority date) to ensure that your financial aid package reflects the best combination of scholarships and financial aid for which you qualify. Please visit the Financial Aid Office for more information.      


*Kutztown University offers an Out-of-State Tuition Reduction Program which provides tuition savings for first-time, non-resident, undergraduate first-year and transfer students.

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