The Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ (FOKO) Scholarship supports young musicians in Maine by providing financial assistance and recognition for their musical talents. Open to high school students in grades 9-12, the scholarship encourages students to showcase their skills through a video audition and a live performance. This scholarship is designed to help students pursue their passion for music and gain valuable performance experience.
Scholarship Details
- Open to musicians in grades 9-12 as of January 1st
- Applicant’s primary residence must be in the state of Maine
- Scholarship cannot be awarded to the child of an active FOKO board member or employee
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a musician in grades 9-12 as of January 1st
- Primary residence must be in Maine
- Applicants who won the scholarship last year are not eligible to apply in but may apply in alternating years
Application Process
- Complete the Scholarship Application Form, available as a PDF on the FOKO website. This form can be completed using Adobe Acrobat or a web browser.
- Prepare the following materials:
- Music Selections: Choose at least two but no more than three selections representing varying styles (genre, tone, or pace). Selections may be contrasting movements from the same work. Submit music scores as PDF files with your application.
- Video Audition:
- Record a digital video performance of your musical selections.
- Video must be no more than 10 minutes and recorded within 12 months of the application deadline.
- State your name, age, and grade at the start of the video.
- State the name and composer of each piece before performing.
- The video must not be edited other than for transitions between pieces, and a physical timer or clock must be visible in the recording.
- The performance may be accompanied by piano, but the applicant’s performance must be the focus.
- Upload the video to YouTube (Private) or Vimeo (Unlisted) and provide the video link in your application.
- Musical Profile: List your musical experiences for the selected instrument, including instructor names and contact information.
- Submit the completed application and materials on our website by midnight on April 1st.
- After reviewing applications and audition videos, selected applicants will be contacted by April 15th to schedule a live audition.
This is a musical performance competition. If selected, you will perform before a panel of judges. The winners will be selected based on ability and musicianship. The FOKO Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for young musicians in Maine to gain recognition and financial support for their musical talents.