About the Scholarship
The Public Performance Scholarship is for new (first-time freshmen or transfer students of any level) full-time, degree-seeking students from outside Tennessee who do not qualify for in-state tuition though another award -- such as the Border County Program or Academic Common Market. These programs are preferable for some students, as they do not have a time limit – the Public Performance Scholarship entitles students to pay in-state tuition rates for eight semesters. Students from outside the United States are invited to apply as well, in consultation with International Programs and Services at ETSU.
Award Requirements
Applicants must apply for admission to East Tennessee State University and demonstrate both performance skills and academic achievement that indicate a strong potential for success in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies.
First-time freshmen must have a 21 ACT (990 SAT) or a 2.75 high school GPA, while transfer students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on 12 or more transferable credit hours.
Scholarship awardees commit to:
- declare Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies as a major or minor course of study;
- enroll and achieve passing grades in at least 12 credit hours of coursework per semester (including at least one individual instruction class and one band class each semester);
- maintain an overall 2.0 cumulative grade point average, as well as a 3.0 GPA in all BLUE courses for each semester;
- participate in public performances, as agreed upon with the faculty of Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies (typically 2-4 performances per semester) and assist with additional public performance-related activities of as needed;
- develop musical and performance skills as well as the ability to work productively with faculty and other students;
Application Information
- links to YouTube videos documenting the student's performance skills in three songs or tunes. See instructions. If necessary, applicants can also send video files using the ETSU Dropbox;
- an explanation of the material he/she is performing, what performance skills are featured in each recording, and why the student chose each song or tune;
- a 200-300 word essay summarizing the student's experience with bluegrass, old time, Celtic, and/or country music to date as well as what he/she hopes to achieve musically in the future;
The application form is in .doc format, downloadable HERE. If you have any questions or need any accommodations in submitting your application, please contact the Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies office at 423-439-7072 - or- bluegrass@etsu.edu.
Timeline for New Applications
Late applications will be accepted only in exceptional circumstances.
For students matriculating in the Fall semester:
March 5 - Applications due.
First week of May - Acceptance letters sent via postal mail.
For students matriculating in the Spring semester:
November 1 - Applications due.
First week of December - Acceptance letters sent via postal mail.
Renewals
Current PPS awardees are responsible for submitting renewal forms, due by May 20 of each year.
Form available HERE.
