Explore Our Scholarship Opportunities for Aspiring Young Musicians
The Edmonton Youth Orchestra is proud to offer a number of scholarships each season to recognize exceptional musical ability, commitment, and leadership among its members. Scholarship auditions are held in the fall and are open to current members of the Intermediate and Senior Orchestras.
Scholarship recipients are selected by a panel of judges based on their live audition performance. Awards help support the educational and musical growth of our talented young musicians. Scholarships range in value and are intended to encourage continued excellence in music.
To audition for a scholarship, eligible students must prepare: A solo piece of their choice (piano accompaniment is optional, but not required)
All scholarship auditions are performed live, not via video submission.
More detailed audition requirements, dates, and procedures can be found here
Eligibility
Scholarship auditions are open to musicians who:
- Are registered members of either the Intermediate or Senior Orchestra for the current season
- Have consistently demonstrated musical commitment and leadership within the EYO
- Are in good standing regarding attendance and participation
- Submit all necessary scholarship audition forms by the specified deadlines
Scholarship auditions are designed to support students' musical development and celebrate their contributions to the EYO community. Students are encouraged to audition even if they have previously received a scholarship.
Discover Scholarship Opportunities
Additional scholarships are available through the Edmonton Community Foundation. Please check out their students awards page.
Disclaimer:* Scholarship funds managed by the Edmonton Community Foundation. Amounts listed are subject to change based on annual fund performance and monies available for granting.
Audition & application required
Thelma Johannes O'Neill Memorial Scholarship
$500
Audition & application required
Symphony Women's Educational Assistance Fund Scholarships
A total of $2000* to be awarded. A lifetime maximum of $1000.
Audition & application required
Kathleen Farmer Memorial Scholarship
$500*
Audition & application required
Harry Farmer Memorial Scholarship
$500*
Audition & application required
Della Roland Memorial Scholarship
$500*
For musicians planning to continue musical studies away from Edmonton. Funds to be released when program of study begins. *Amount subject to change
Audition & application required
R. glacialis Award
$300
This legacy award, in honour of Prof. Walter and Klara Moser, is for a musician in the senior orchestra who simply loves making music and plans to study science or education.
Audition & application required
Paul Polushin Award
$200
This prize is not intended for an orchestral section leader but for a player from the rest of the string section of the orchestra who has played in the EYO for at least three years. The winner will have displayed outstanding commitment to the EYO in terms of rehearsal attendance, dedication to high performing standards, responsible behaviour, positive attitude, and concern for the welfare of the orchestra as a whole.
Audition & application required
Pamela Farmer Young Musicians' Award
$200*
This scholarship is awarded to an Intermediate Youth Orchestra member younger than 16 years old who has made a significant contribution to the EYO both musically and generally and has demonstrated exceptional improvement in playing ability.
Audition & application required
Francis and Muriel Dunnigan Scholarship
$500*
This scholarship is awarded to a returning EYO member. It is not intended for the “best” player; rather, the purpose of the Francis and Muriel Dunnigan Scholarship is to allow a committed and aspiring EYO player in either the intermediate or senior orchestra to access additional musical training, personally benefiting from the scholarship and at the same time enhancing the orchestra as a whole.
Audition & application required
Eileen Lee Scholarship
$300
To be awarded to an EYO member demonstrating musicality, passion, and commitment to the EYO.
Audition & application required
Diana Bacon Young Musicians' Award
$200*
This scholarship is awarded to an Intermediate Youth Orchestra member younger than 16 years old who has made a significant contribution to the EYO both musically and generally and has demonstrated exceptional improvement in playing ability.
Audition & application required
Diana Bacon Scholarship
$500*
This scholarship is awarded to an EYO member who has been an EYO member for at least three years, is at least 16 years old, has made significant musical progress and shows a positive awareness of the goals of the Orchestra, as demonstrated through exemplary attendance, punctuality, and willingness to assume a generous share of responsibility in all orchestra activities. *Amount subject to change
Resources
The Edmonton Youth Orchestra’s policies and bylaws provide clear guidance to support a respectful, inclusive, and well-organized experience for all members, families, and staff. Key points are outlined here to keep expectations transparent and easily understood.