The scholarship program at the Mandolin Symposium is designed to assist Students in need of financial aid. We believe that this educational experience should be available to a wide range of students and we solicit financial contributions that will help those that cannot afford all the costs of attending.

Each year the Mandolin Symposium offers a limited number of scholarships to students based upon both merit and need. Our goal is to foster the study of the mandolin and to bring students of all ages to the Symposium.

Generous donations from such organizations as the D'Addario Music Foundation, Eastman Strings and other private donors help students that cannot afford the cost of attending the Symposium. Last year, noted luthier Lynn Dudenbostel repaired instruments at the Symposium to help fund the scholarship program and thru his efforts we raised over $3000 so a big thank you to Lynn. This year we will once again be offering repair service by Lynn.

Scholarships are awarded both on a partial and full basis. The scholarship committee reviews all applications for financial assistance received by April 1 of each year. Please note that students under 18 yrs of age must have a chaperone accompany them to the Mandolin Symposium. This requirement is only necessary for students that are staying on campus.

I. General Requirements

Scholarships are awarded by the Scholarship Committee, based on the students' application and on the recommendation of the Instructors. Applicants will be considered only when the following information is on file:

1. Completed Scholarship Application.
2. Two letters of recommendation.
3. A letter written by the applicant as to why they are applying for and need a Scholarship.
4. In order to better evaluate an applicant’s needs, we will need a statement accurately reflecting your gross family annual income and how many in your household. (We do not require any submission of any tax forms.)

II. Criteria

The following Criteria will be used to evaluate the Applicants.

• A student’s musical ability.

• Other costs associated with a student attending the Symposium.   (Travel costs, need for a family member to attend, etc.)

• Financial needs of an individual.

• The credibility of the writers of the letters of Recommendation and what they say about the Applicants ability