ELEVATING YOUNG MUSICIANS WITH INSPIRATION, CONNECTIONS, AND ACCOMPLISHMENT
102 Years Awarding Student Scholarships
- There is no cost to apply.
- A second Guitar division has been added:
Guitar II – Grades 7-12
Guitar III – College Freshman – Age 28 - A 3rd prize of $500 is awarded in all categories.
- Scholarship awards are:
– College & Graduate Students: 1st prize is $2,500, 2nd prize is $1,750
– Jr. & Sr. High Students: 1st prize is $2,000, 2nd prize is $1,500 - The Preliminary round is virtual while Finals are in person with a nationally recognized judge. All finalists will have the opportunity to participate in a live session following their category/division’s auditions to receive additional education and feedback from their judge.
2025 Competition Dates
Applications Open: September 18, 2024
Application Deadline: January 13, 2025
Repertoire Change Deadline: January 26, 2025
Preliminaries Video Submission Deadline: February 2, 2025
Finalists Emailed: March 11, 2025
In-Person Finals: Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Macalester College
Musicians on the Rise Winners Recital: April 13, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., Ordway Concert Hall
More About the Competition
The Bruce P. Carlson Student Scholarship Competition, held each spring, awards a total of over $70,000 annually to young musicians to be used for further musical education.
The competition began in 1922, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Schubert Club. It started modestly with three winners representing the categories of voice, violin, and piano. The competition has since grown to fifteen different categories with three cash prizes awarded for each category to be used for further musical education. The winners of each category are also invited to perform in the annual Winners Recital, Musicians on the Rise.
The Competition is named in memory of Bruce P. Carlson, Executive Director of Schubert Club from 1968 to 2006.
Applicants must be a resident or enrolled in a learning institution within the 5-state region (MN, WI, SD, ND or IA).
“The Competition has been an indispensable source for musical growth, and a proving ground where I could test my skill and artistry. I feel like I’ve grown up as a musician through the Schubert Club Competition, and it is an opportunity for which I am immensely grateful.”
– Liam Ainslie Mayo, 2017 Piano Winner