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Important COVID-19 Update: All scholarship auditions will be held online this spring, rather than on campus. Please read below under "How to Audition" for more information. Additionally, the requirement for submission of a video recording has been waived due to COVID-19. Students who complete the scholarship application are automatically approved to sign up for a live online audition on the audition date of their choice (see options below under "Audition Dates").

About the Scholarship

The Sister Monica Laughlin Music Ensemble Scholarship auditions are open to students in all majors at the College who sing or play in choir, band, or orchestra. Students may receive up to $16,000 over four years (up to $4,000 per academic year) for participating in music ensembles. A student's award is determined by the members of the Music Department faculty following a live audition (held online in 2020). The scholarship is automatically renewed each semester for a student who:

• Continues to participate in his or her scholarship music ensemble (band, choir, or orchestra)
• Is recommended by the director
• Makes satisfactory academic progress as defined in the College catalog, and
• Maintains full-time student status at CSS

Music scholarships can only be offered to students who have been accepted to The College of St. Scholastica. 

The combined amount of scholarships and grants offered by the institution cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Music scholarships cannot be used toward room and board.

Students who audition early in the scholarship process (in February or March) may not receive notification of a music scholarship until after the Financial Aid Office has created an initial financial aid package. Students who are awarded full tuition scholarships or grants through this financial aid process are ineligible for additional music scholarships, even if they have already completed the audition process.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Music Department or the Financial Aid Office before you submit an application.

Audition Dates

Audition dates for students entering college in Fall 2020 are listed below. We encourage students to apply early, even if you plan to audition on a later date and are still working on your audition recordings.

• Saturday, March 21. Apply by March 7. Submit recordings by March 11. (Auditions will be scheduled around Accepted Students Day activities.)
• Thursday, April 23. Apply by April 9.
• Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3. Apply by April 27.
• Saturday, May 9. Apply by May 4.
• Additional date(s) will be added in mid to late May. Applications will be accepted through May 20. Email us for more information!

How to Apply

1. Submit the application form found at this link. Submit the form at least 5 days in advance of the date you wish to audition.
2. On the application, provide the name and contact information of your current high school music ensemble director. Contact your director and request that they submit the recommendation form (automatically emailed to them when you apply) at least 5 days in advance of the date you wish to audition. You can also find the recommendation form at this link.
3. Please note that the application lists a requirement for submission of a video recording. This requirement has been waived for 2020 due to COVID-19. Submission of a recorded performance is now optional.

How to Audition

1. Once the Music Department faculty and staff have reviewed your full application, you will be notified by email if you are being invited to a live audition via Zoom videoconference. This email contains a link to a form to fill out. On this form, you'll be able to let us know your scheduling availability for the audition day. You can also request accompaniment recordings if you need them. Submit this form as soon as possible, at least 1 week in advance of your audition date.
2. If your audition piece requires piano accompaniment, you have several options. A) you may have an accompanist with you in the room while you audition who plays with you (please practice safe physical distancing!), B) you may use a recorded accompaniment track that you already have access to or that someone in your community creates for you, and that you play on a device while you perform or C) you may email a copy of your music to staff accompanist Emily Valine at evaline@css.edu, and she will create an accompaniment recording for you.

3. Once all scheduling forms have been received from students auditioning on that date, you'll receive another email with confirmation of your official audition time. This email will also contain a link to a Zoom meeting and instructions on how to download and use Zoom, if you are not familiar with it. You'll receive your scheduled time and Zoom link 5-6 days before the audition date. 

4. Plan to join the audition meeting on Zoom 5-15 minutes early before your scheduled time. You will be sent to a virtual "waiting room" until the previous student has finished auditioning, then you will be admitted to the Zoom meeting with the music faculty. During your 10-minute audition slot, you'll perform for the music faculty, and they will also have a short conversation with you. For more information on what to expect at your audition and how to prepare, see the Frequently Asked Questions for Online Auditions page. 

We are here for you!

The CSS Music Department faculty and staff understand that there are a lot of uncertainties and unknowns in the coming days. We care about you feeling great about your audition experience and are creating accommodations to help you do your best during this time and in this format while practicing measures of health safety. 

If you have questions or concerns about online auditions, such as internet access limitations, unfamiliarity with Zoom, or lack of access to needed instruments, please let us know, and we are ready to work with you on alternate solutions for your audition. The sooner we know about any challenges you may be facing with this new audition format, the more effectively we can help you navigate the situation and find a solution that works for you.

About Sister Monica Laughlin

Frequently Asked Questions for Online Auditions

Music Lesson Scholarships are available for Music majors and minors to pay for private lessons on a major instrument or voice. These scholarships are given in addition to other aid offered through the Financial Aid Office. If you have questions or would like to be considered for the Music Lesson Scholarship, or if you are interested in pursuing a Music major or minor, contact Dr. Jeremy Craycraft at 218-723-7021 or jcraycra@css.edu.