By Ashlynn Worley

Quincy University is offering musically talented students an opportunity to attend college for free.

Up to four freshman entering the 2019-2020 school year will be awarded a new music scholarship.

The winners of the Virtuoso Music Scholarship will receive a full four-year tuition award to attend QU. Professors in the music department said they hope the new scholarship will draw in more students.

“We are thrilled to offer these scholarships to talented singers and instrumentalists. Quincy University’s music program has grown over the past several years. The administration wants to keep this momentum going,” Amy Stollberg, director of choirs, said.

Students who are interested in applying for this scholarship must first apply to QU, forward their transcripts to the admissions office, and attend an audition in person.

In addition, applicants must fill out the form to audition and register for the Music Visit Day which will be held February 23, 2019, at 10 a.m. This opportunity gives prospective students who are interested in the field a chance to visit campus, meet the music faculty and have a chance to audition for the Virtuoso Music Scholarship.

Some rules and regulations regarding auditions have been determined. An instrumental audition must consist of two contrasting etudes, major scales to be chosen from C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, and G and a sight reading. A vocal audition must consist of two solos from the standard vocal repertoire, 16th-21st century. One may be in English.

Some examples of this include:

– English folk songs or art songs from any musical time period
– 17th or 18th century Italian songs or arias
– 19th century German or French songs by composers such as Schubert, Schumann or Faure

Participants can instead choose one classical work from above and one musical theater work.

Vocal auditions must also include pitch matching and a sight reading.

In order to qualify for this scholarship, applicants must have all materials turned in and have completed the QU admissions process before the deadline of February 1, 2019. Although candidates are not required to major in music, QU offers several different music degrees.

The university offers three bachelors of arts degrees in music performance, communication/music production, and church music.

A bachelor of science degree in music education is also offered. Kristina Wolfe is junior music education major who plays the tenor saxophone.

“I have always had a passion for music. The music department is what brought me to QU,” Wolfe said.

The current music ensembles students are involved in include the marching band, jazz band and choir.

Winners of the Virtuoso Music Scholarship will be chosen at the discretion of the music faculty based on ensemble needs and the talent level of the candidates. The selected winners are required to participate in QU music ensembles each semester also at the discretion of the music faculty.

“We are excited to launch this new scholarship program to encourage more students to explore studying music or participating in one of the ensembles at Quincy University,” Phil Conover, president of Quincy University, said.

The QU Music Department is also hosting a Saxophone Day on December 8th, 2018 as well as a Clarinet Day on February 2, 2019.