“Music is my therapy.” It was with these four words that Catherine Larson began her essay to apply for the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) Musician of Promise Scholarship. Larson continued to describe how music helped her through personal obstacles, which resulted in her desire to use her talents to help others through her chosen profession – music therapy. With an impressive essay, audition and interview, Larson became the first-ever SMWC Musician of Promise when she received the $17,000 scholarship to attend The Woods this fall.
“I immediately started crying in joy when I received the email that I was offered the Musician of Promise Scholarship,” said Larson. “I knew that it was a sign I was meant to go to this school. The faculty is so nice, inviting and comforting. There really was nothing to be nervous about at all throughout the audition process, and I am excited to start school in the fall!”
Highland, Ind., native, Larson participated in choir and theatre at Highland High School. Daughter of Karen and Jeff, Larson volunteers to cantor at her local church and also sings at funerals for her church.
“From the first time I visited campus, I just knew that it was right for me and that this college will teach me to be independent, strong and confident,” said Larson. “I am most looking forward to the music program and learning to play a variety of instruments and to sing with the Chorale. The music is just beautiful.”
The SMWC Music and Theatre Department offers the scholarship to students wishing to pursue a degree in music or music therapy. A collaborative effort between the Music and Theatre Department, the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of Admission, the SMWC Musician of Promise Scholarship is a $17,000 scholarship toward the cost of tuition, renewable for four years.
Students applying for the Musician of Promise Scholarship will also automatically be considered for other music scholarships as well. While only one student will receive the Musician of Promise Scholarship each year, many deserving students who audition may also receive some type of music scholarship to assist with overall financial aid packages.
To qualify for the scholarship, students must be admitted, first-time freshmen who plan to attend SMWC full-time in a music degree program. Students must submit an audition request form followed by an audition on the intended primary voice/instrument of study, essay and interview.
Learn more about the audition process.