Shattuck-St. Mary's Music Competition
Shattuck-St. Mary’s Music Scholarship Competition
Celebrating excellence in young musicians and supporting their continued musical development.
The Shattuck-St. Mary’s Scholarship Competition recognizes and encourages outstanding young musicians across the United States through scholarship awards that support their continued musical study and growth. By celebrating both technical skill and artistic expression, the competition serves as a valuable stepping stone for students pursuing advanced musical training and deeper engagement with their craft.
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View Complete Competition Rules
Eligibility
Open to students who meet the following criteria:
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currently enrolled in, or eligible to enroll in, a pre-college music program within the United States for the 2026–2027 academic year. U.S. citizenship is not required, but participants must have valid documentation permitting study or residence in the United States at the time of the competition.
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actively studying privately (or through a school) their chosen instrument or voice.
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in grade 5-11 (rising 6th to 12th graders)
Categories
- Piano
- Strings (violin, viola, cello, bass)
- Voice
- Winds/Brass/Percussion/Guitar
Divisions
- Middle School (rising 6th-9th)
- Upper School (rising 10th-12th)
Each category and division will have a minimum number of 5 entrants to qualify; if that minimum is not reached, that division may be cancelled or merged, at the discretion of the competition committee.
Timeline, Application, and Fee
Applications open: November 25th, 2025
Application and video submission deadline: Feburary 15, 2026
Finalists notified: February 20, 2026
In-person finals: April 11, 2026
Winners' Recital: April 11, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Applicants must complete an online application form, an application fee of $25, and their preliminary video by February 1, 2026.
Prizes & Use of awards
The Grand Prize of a $20,000 tuition scholarship must be used by the student to whom it is granted in the following year of the competition (2026-27). The scholarship is non-transferable. Cash scholarships will be awarded in each category/division for 1st and 2nd prize. 1st place prize-winners will receive $1000 and 2nd place prize-winners will receive $750. Recipients agree to use the award for further musical education.
If a prize is declined or not used within a stated timeframe, SSM reserves the right to reallocate or rescind.
Contact & questions
For more information or further questions, please contact Shattuck-St. Mary's Music Competition Coordinator, Ben Downs, at benjamin.downs@s-sm.org.