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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 on the Duluth campus. 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

Auditions are now closed for 2019.

Auditions are held in February through May each year for first-year students entering CSS in the fall semester of that year. Check back soon for audition dates for students entering in Fall 2020. 

How to Apply

1. Submit the application form found at this link. Submit the form at least 2 weeks 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. Talk to your director and request that they submit the recommendation form (automatically emailed to them when you apply) at least 10 days in advance of the date you wish to audition. You can also find the recommendation form at this link.
3. On the application, supply links to one or two video recordings of yourself performing on your major instrument or voice. You should upload your videos to YouTube, Google Drive, or another online hosting service. If your videos aren't ready at the time you're filling out the application, you can email them later to Emily Valine at evaline@css.edu. Submit your recordings at least 10 days in advance of the date you wish to audition.

How to Audition

1. Once the Music Department faculty and staff have reviewed your full application (including your recordings) you will be notified by email if you are being invited to an on-campus audition. This email contains a link to a form to fill out. On this form, you'll be able to request an accompanist for your audition if needed and let us know your scheduling availability for the audition day. Submit this form as soon as possible, at least 1 week in advance of your audition date.
2. If you request a CSS accompanist for your audition, you can email a copy of your music to staff accompanist Emily Valine at evaline@css.edu. This is not required, but it does help the performance go a little smoother!
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. You'll receive your scheduled time 5-6 days before the audition date.
4. Plan to arrive for your audition at least 15-20 minutes early to warm up and possibly rehearse with an accompanist. 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 page.

About Sister Monica Laughlin

Frequently Asked Questions

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.