Scholarships
Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians Scholarship Fund, Inc.
The Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians, a labor union for professional musicians in affiliation with the American Federation of Musicians, AFL-CIO, has created the Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians Scholarship Fund, Inc. The mission of the Fund is to further the musical education of deserving young musicians by offering scholarships for summer music study. Tax deductible donations from members and friends provide funding for these scholarships.
The deadline for all scholarship applications has been extended to April 15, 2024
The Donald D. Armstrong Scholarship is dedicated to its namesake, whose life- long work was the musical education of students. Mr. Armstrong was Director of Music for the Grand Rapids Public Schools, a member of the Grand Rapids Symphony, and an active member of Local 56. For 2024, a single award of $300.00 will be awarded to a high school Junior based on recommendations from instrumental music instructors. Only one recommendation per school will be accepted and must be submitted by the director. Applications must be received by April 15, 2024. This application must be requested and submitted by a music instructor.
The Robert Madura String Scholarship is awarded by audition to an outstanding orchestral string (violin, viola, cello, harp) student, age 15-21, for study at an established summer music program. A first place award of $600 will be given in memory of Robert Madura, who was an inspiration both to his colleagues and students. Madura was principal cellist with the Grand Rapids Symphony and remained musically active throughout his courageous struggle with leukemia, which finally took his life in 1989. Applications must be submitted by April 15, 2024 to be assured of a scheduled audition time.
The Thomas A. Erickson Double Bass Scholarship will be awarded by audition to an outstanding double bass student, age 15-21, for study at an established summer music program. A first place award of $850 will be given in memory of Thomas Erickson, a respected, long-time bassist for the Grand Rapids Symphony and a teacher of many of West Michigan's finest double bass students. Applications must be submitted by April 15, 2024, to be assured of a scheduled audition time.
Applicants for all scholarships must be residents or students within the Local 56 jurisdiction, which includes all of the following counties: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Clinton, Crawford, Eaton, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Iosco, Isabella, Kalkaska, Kent, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Ottawa, Presque Isle, Roscommon, and Wexford. The scholarships are paid directly to the instructor or organization providing the musical experience. It is our desire, when possible, to present awards in person at the student's spring concert or awards ceremony, so please indicate the date of such on the application. Again, please note application deadlines and rules. Thank you.