Scholarships and Grants
OMTA offers approximately 20 competitive scholarships for students studying piano, strings, voice and composition, as well as need-based grants.
Competitive OMTA Scholarships
The Competitive OMTA Scholarships will take place this year at Portland Piano Company as an in-person event with safety protocols in place (see below). The dates are Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21, 2023, with the postmark deadline of April 9.
Competitive scholarships require a student audition. The student must be studying with an active member of OMTA. Unless otherwise stated, repertoire requirements are three memorized compositions from three contrasting periods. Concerti movements are not allowed for pianists unless specifically required. Repertoire repeated from any previous year is not allowed.
Students need to bring original scores to the adjudication with the measures numbered. No photocopies will be accepted. Repertoire change requests will be considered up to 14 days prior to the audition date. String, voice, and concerto students must supply their own accompanists.
Students may enter only one scholarship audition per year and may not enter the same one again if they received first place in that award in any previous year.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes are available unless a scholarship specifies otherwise. Award amounts vary with cash available in OMTA investment accounts and are subject to change depending on funds available.
All scholarships are now offered annually except those with specific years listed.
Safety Protocols
This is a one-person-at-a-time event. No audience will be allowed in the room with the student and judges. Masks are required by everyone except the student who can remove their mask while performing. Judges will be more than six feet away from the student performing.
The keyboard will be cleaned between performances.
Results will not be announced at the end of each audition as that requires a gathering. Teachers will be notified by email if their student is successful. Students, teachers, and parents will be expected to leave after their performance is over.
Instrumental and Collaborative Scholarships
Voice Scholarships
Piano Scholarships
See below for composition scholarship information.
Application for Competitive Scholarships
Scholarship Audition Fees, Requirements and Application
Questions? Contact Kelli B. Stephens or Paula Watt, NCTM.
Need-Based Grants
These non-audition grants benefit piano students with financial need. Students must be studying with a member of OMTA. Decisions are based on need, the student’s dedication to learning, and their willingness to share talents with their community.
Jane Thomas Grant – Information
Jane Thomas Grant – Application
Betty Balmer Grant – Information
Betty Balmer Grant – Application
Questions? Contact Laura Davis, (503) 312-1162.
Composition Scholarship
Beginning in 2019, OMTA is honored to offer the Daniel Brugh Composition Scholarship. This annual award recognizes one emerging student composer each year. More information available below.
Questions? Contact Daniel A. Brugh.