Artistic Exploration Award

Generously sponsored by

Opens March 1, 2026

A $1,000 award that will help fund a musical experience of the applicant’s choosing.

    1. Applicant must be an Iowa Resident.

    2. Applicant must be currently in 9th – 12th grade (during the 2025-2026 academic year)

    3. Applicant must be studying woodwind or brass instruments.

    Students are permitted and encouraged to apply for both MAS Scholarships if they so choose.

    The winner of the Artistry in Action Award is not eligible to apply for the Artistic Exploration Award until the next scholarship cycle.

  • This award must be used to financially support a musical experience of the applicant’s choice, including summer camps, festivals, musical performances, etc. Distribution of the award is contingent upon proof of acceptance.

    Examples include:

    • Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp

    • University of Iowa Summer Music Camps

    • Interlochen

    • Brevard Music Center

    • University of Northern Iowa Summer Music Camp, etc.

    Other camps and festivals are also encouraged. If you are unsure about your chosen musical experience, please feel free to contact CaseyDierlamTse@Iowindsalliance.com to confirm that your choice will meet the requirements and scope of the scholarship.

    The student will be required to submit a one-page reflective essay on their experience and its value to their development.

    Disbursal of funds will occur after the completion of both the chosen activity and after the reflective essay is received.

    • Application Opens: March 1, 2026

    • Application Deadline: March 31st, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST

    • Notification of Award: April 15th, 2026

    Disbursement of funds will occur AFTER completion of the festival, and a one-page reflective essay is submitted – no later than August 30th, 2026.

  • The student will be required to submit a one-page reflective essay on their experience and its value to their development due by August 30, 2026.

    Disbursal of funds will occur after the completion of both the chosen activity and after the reflective essay is received.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our scholarships are available to students who are:

    • A current Iowa Resident

    • Currently in 9th – 12th grade (during the 2026-2027 academic year)

    • Studying a Woodwind or Brass instrument

  • Yes!

    Students are permitted and encouraged to apply for both MAS Scholarships, if they so choose.

  • You will need to apply by the listed deadlines for the desired scholarship using the links above.

  • There are 3 parts to each application:

    Part 1: Personal Video Essay:

    • A video recording in which you can connect with the viewer and make a strong case for why you are a great candidate for this scholarship.

    • Elements can include but are not limited to - introducing yourself, talking about your involvement in music, sharing your career and/or professional goals, your passion for music, connecting through your personal story and/or challenges faced, why you feel you deserve this scholarship, and how this scholarship can help you move forward in your own pursuit of musical excellence.

    • Videos should range from 4-6 minutes in length, look professional, have good lighting and sound, and should be rehearsed in preparation to cover all key points in an efficient, organized, professional, and authentic manner.

    • The video will be uploaded using the above application link.

    • We encourage you to research and fully understand the scope and concept of a video essay. There are many resources online to help with understand this process and assist you in creating the best presentation of yourself possible.

    Part 2: Letter of Recommendation

    • The letter can be from a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, mentor, band director or other applicable source

    • The letter should speak to applicant’s strengths as both academic and music student, their need for a new instrument, and how the recommender sees the student potentially benefitting from this acquisition over the longer course of time.

    Part 3: One Performance Video

    • Video must be at least 5 minutes in length that demonstrates your current level of playing

    • If performing a solo piece that has a piano accompaniment, you are required to submit a video performance with a piano.

  • We encourage all applicants to be as authentic as possible!

    Writing out your thoughts for the Personal Video Essay is strongly encouraged.

    We recommend choosing someone to write your Letter of Recommendation who will be able to speak and write about your strengths.

    Remember that if you are performing a solo piece that has a piano accompaniment in your Performance Video, you are required to submit a video performance with a pianist playing with you. Please contact us if you need help finding a pianist.

  • Video Essay – 50 points

    Letter of Recommendation – 30 points

    Performance Video – 20 points