Department of Music Scholarships

The University of Wyoming Department of Music is lead by a faculty of nationally-recognized educators, performers and scholars engaging some of the nation’s most promising young artists in a collaboration that explores what is possible within the field of music today.

Priority for scholarships is given to high performing new and transfer students who declare a music major. Talented non-majors are also encouraged to apply for a scholarship. Scholarship awards may be up to full tuition and lesson fees.
Scholarship recipients are expected to perform in two designated music department ensembles every semester, and must enroll for private lessons in the music department.

Live auditions are strongly encouraged. In lieu of a live audition, students may submit a high-quality video (DVD, VHS) or sound recording (CD, audiocassette tape) for consideration (video is preferred).

Applicants must submit a Department of Music Scholarship Application, due on or before March 3, 2008. Please follow all instructions carefully to ensure your application is complete and accurate.

Sign up for a Scholarship Audition, February 8, 15, 22 and 29. Audition Day Information

Scholarship Recommendation - for completion by teachers, music educators, and others familiar with scholarship applicant's musical abilities.

Brass Scholarship Recommendation - Dr. Tom Pfotenhauer, Coordinator

Keyboard Scholarship Recommendation - Dr. Theresa Bogard, Coordinator

Percussion Scholarship Recommendation - Dr. Steve Barnhart, Coordinator

String Scholarship Recommendation - Prof. Jim Przygocki, Coordinator

Vocal Arts Scholarship Recommendation - Dr. Larry Hensel, Coordinator

Woodwinds Scholarship Recommendation - Dr. J. Scott Turpen, Coordinator

The Symphony Association for the University of Wyoming has a special scholarship for first-year students who make a significant contribution to the UW Symphony Orchestra.
UW Financial Aid page.
Graduate students can apply for graduate assistantships; see the Graduate Handbook for additional information.
- Ability (current level of accomplishment and potential)
- Major
- Music Department and Ensemble needs
- Academic success
- Collegiality and academic integrity

Vocal Scholarship Information

Contact Dr. Larry Hensel, (307) 766-6376

Live auditions are strongly encouraged. Students should be prepared to sing two selections from memory. Both may be in English. At least one of the selections should be in the “classical” style. You may choose a “standard” from the musical theatre repertoire for one of your selections. (Students are discouraged from choosing a musical theatre piece that is rock, R & B, or country in style.) Carefully choose repertoire that displays your current vocal abilities.

An accompanist will be provided for the audition. (Students are strongly discouraged from bringing a pre-recorded tape of their accompaniment.) Once an audition date and time have been assigned, you will be contacted regarding a rehearsal time.

Percussion Scholarship Information

Contact Dr. Steve Barnhart, (307) 766-5030.

Students should prepare solos on snare drum, marimba or xylophone (2 or 4 mallets), timpani (two or four drums, with or without tuning changes), and drumset (demonstrate various styles).

Brass Scholarship Information

Contact Dr. Thomas Pfotenhauer, (307) 766-3339.

Woodwind Scholarship Information

Contact Dr. J. Scott Turpen (307) 766-4252.

Incoming students will be asked to perform major scales and two short pieces in a contrasting style. Students should choose one piece that is slow and lyrical and one that is faster and more technical. If students are unsure if their selections are appropriate they may contact the woodwind area coordinator or the applied teacher.

Keyboard Scholarship Auditions

Contact Dr. Theresa Bogard, (307) 766-3894.

Live auditions are strongly encouraged. Students should be prepared to play three selections from contrasting periods from memory. One of the selections must be a movement in sonata-allegro form from a Classical period sonata. Applicants will be expected to be able to play major and minor scales and arpeggios in all keys.

Scholarship recipients are expected to perform in two designated Music Department ensembles every semester, and must enroll in private piano or organ lessons. Accompanying is the primary ensemble required for keyboard scholarship recipients.

All keyboard scholarship applicants must demonstrate accompanying skills and will be asked to sight-read an art song and an instrumental accompaniment.

String Scholarship Information

Contact Prof. James Przygocki, (307) 766-3335.

Live auditions and campus visits are strongly encouraged. Students should be prepared to play two contrasting works or movements of the same work. Students are encouraged to prepare scales to demonstrate technical proficiency, though this not a requirement. Accompaniment is not required for auditions. If a student is submitting a recorded audition, the requirements are the same as those described above. High quality audio recordings are acceptable, but video recordings are preferred.