Since 2005, From the Top and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation have awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to exceptional young musicians with financial need. In addition to providing these young artists with an opportunity to perform on From the Top’s national broadcasts, recipients are awarded up to $10,000 to help offset the often prohibitively expensive costs of studying classical music at a high level. Each year, From the Top chooses approximately 20 exceptional pre-collegiate musicians ages 8-18 to receive the award.
Who should apply?
They’re looking for classical instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers (ages 8–18) who have not yet entered college and have an interest in performing on From the Top.
Applicants must demonstrate:
Exceptional musical achievement
Applicants must have strong musical ability and a willingness to perform on the NPR “From the Top” show.
Unmet financial need
Applicants must provide evidence of a family income insufficient to meet the costs of his/her musical pursuits (new instruments, music lessons, summer festival tuition, and travel, etc.). 90% of our past recipients come from families with an annual household Adjusted Gross Income of under $60,000. Other factors may apply (cost of living, medical expenses, dependents).
Academic achievement
Applicants must possess strong scholastic achievement indicated by good grades, academic awards, and strong test scores.
Strength of character
Applicants must demonstrate drive, initiative, maturity, leadership, and a commitment to giving back to one’s community.
Scholarship Benefits
$10,000 to apply toward instrument purchases, summer camp tuition, college audition travel expenses, private lessons, or other music-related needs
Appearance on NPR’s From the Top with Host Christopher O’Riley
Participation in From the Top’s Arts Leadership Program.
Application deadlines
Students may apply for the scholarship at any time, but applications will be reviewed in three cycles throughout the year according to the below deadlines. All recipients are notified on a rolling admissions basis in accordance with our 2016–2017 taping season.
2016–2017 Deadline I: October 3, 2016 October 17, 2016*
2016–2017 Deadline II: January 9, 2017
2016–2017 Deadline III: March 1, 2017
*Please note that high school seniors must apply by the October 17 deadline to be considered.
