Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) Scholarships
Theatre scholarship guide
Scholarship details
- Funder
- Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (Mellon Foundation–supported)
- Study level
- Middle School / High School (grades ~6–12)
- Scholarship type
- Illinois
- Opens
- Early October 2026 (per sponsor, no exact date)
- Deadline
- Typical award size
- Up to $12,300 yearly financial assistance (need-scaled)
- Website
- Apply or learn more
Eligibility criteria
Chicago-area orchestral-instrument students (including nearby IN/WI) from backgrounds underrepresented in classical music (e.g., African American, Latinx, American Indian/Alaska Native, South Asian/Pacific Islander), and/or low-income or first-generation college-bound. Serious commitment to intensive orchestral training for conservatory/college pathways.
Application steps
- Apply via CMPI/Acceptd when the winter cycle opens.
- Attend info sessions if offered.
- Complete audition (live or recorded) and submit recommendations plus income verification by posted dates.
- Decisions typically by late April; fellows begin support in fall.
Required materials
- Online audition application
- Audition materials on orchestral instrument
- Two recommendation letters
- Family income verification
Overview
Not published
Past recipients
CMPI Fellows annually; alumni placed at top conservatories/universities with substantial aid
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