Applications for Fall 2026 Scottish Arts Scholarships have closed.
The Scottish Arts Scholarship is awarded to first-year students (transfers are not eligible) on the basis of music performance skills demonstrated at the audition. Students can receive $2,000 to $8,000 per year. In addition, lesson fees for a student holding a Scottish Arts Scholarship are reduced to $25/semester for half-hour weekly private lessons on the instrument of your audition. Please note that you should only apply for one scholarship area. Recipients are not required to major or minor in music at Wooster.
Application Instructions
Applicants who complete all necessary application materials by the midnight EST on December 15, 2025, and attend an audition weekend will receive notification by April 1, 2026. Note that Early Decision Applicants must submit their scholarship application by the November 1, 2025, Early Decision deadline.
- Complete the general application for admission. Scottish Arts Scholarship applicants must apply Early Decision or Early Action.
- Complete the Scottish Arts Scholarship Application Form.
- Attend an on-campus audition date held in Scheide Music Center on November 15, February 7, or February 14.
It is highly recommended that students attend an on-campus audition date. However, virtual auditions are available. Please contact Melissa Puster, Administrative Coordinator, at the time of scholarship application submission to request a virtual audition.
International Students: Submit a recording of your audition, following the relevant guidelines (see below). Recordings must be postmarked by your selected deadline.
Expectations of Recipients
Beginning with the first semester of the first year and continuing for as long as the scholarship is held, recipients must:
- Enroll in and successfully complete private lessons on the instrument in which the Scottish Arts Scholarship was won.
- Participate in the Scot Marching and Symphonic Bands.
Prepare at least 3 sets of music that showcase your best technical and musical playing. Your repertoire may draw on:
- Marches (2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8)
- Strathspeys
- Reels
- Hornpipes
- Jigs
- Piobaireachd (ground only)
A set consists of at least 2 tunes played in succession. Examples of acceptable sets:
- “Scotland the Brave”/“Rowan Tree”
- Strathspey & Reel
- Hornpipe & Jig
- Piobaireachd ground (counts as one set)
Prepare both a Highland dance and a National dance that demonstrate your abilities in Scottish Highland Dancing. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Fling
- Sword
- Seann Truibhas
- Strathespey/Reel
- Flora McDonald’s Fancy
- Lilt
- Hornpipe
- Irish Washerwoman
You may substitute a choreography for the National dance.
Prepare at least 3 sets of music that showcase your best technical and musical playing. Your repertoire may draw on:
- Marches (2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8)
- Strathspeys
- Reels
- Hornpipes
- Jigs
- Drum fanfares
A set consists of at least 2 tunes played in succession. Examples of acceptable sets:
- March medley (comprising a set of 2/4’s, 4/4’s or 3/4’s)
- March, Strathspey, & Reel (MSR)
- Hornpipe & Jig
You are also welcome to perform a Fanfare as a part of your submission.
Questions & Concerns?
Please contact Melissa Puster, Administrative Coordinator, at 330-263-2419.
*The maximum annual amount of Wooster merit scholarships is capped at full tuition annually, and scholarships can be applied only to tuition charges. Prospective students may apply for more than one interest-based scholarship. The Presidential Scholar, College Scholar and Dean’s Scholar are mutually exclusive. The interest-based and performing arts scholarships are renewable when qualifications and criteria are met. Scholarship award amounts will be finalized prior to notification of admission.
**Students who are eligible for and awarded a tuition benefit such as the Great Lakes College Association (GLCA) program, Wooster’s employee tuition remission, or Veteran’s Education Benefits may choose to apply for the merit scholarships noted above, but if awarded, the scholarship status will be honorary only.