(application deadline is 7 PM CST on Saturday, August 15, 2020)

A scholarship fund utilizing the assets of the recording industry's Music Performance Trust Fund ("MPTF") was established in June of 2020 to encourage the children of professional musicians to pursue higher education and to become leaders in their chosen fields. In the first year of this fund, MPTF intends to grant $100,000 in scholarship funds. Scholarships will be awarded based on the verification of all required information submitted by each candidate and the strength of each candidate's essay.

Requirements include the name of the applicant, the high school attended and graduation date, the name of a parent belonging to a local musician's union, the name of a local musician's union officer, a personal essay of 500-750 words, all necessary contact information, and a signature verifying the truth of all information submitted and authorizing MPTF to use essays for any appropriate purpose related to the function of the MPTF or the music business agent in general.

The Music Family Essay is about how the experience of being a child of a professional musician shaped the applicant's perspective, and about the challenges, inspirations, uniqueness of experience, and lessons learned. This section will help applicants reveal their unique voice and enthusiasm, self-awareness, aptitude, and commitment for learning and growing. Essays will be judged by a committee consisting of members of the MPTF and other prominent music educators and performers as selected by the MPTF trustee. Semi-finalists may be asked for additional supporting materials such as photographs, videos, etc. The MPTF reserves the right to utilize written applicant submissions and additional supporting materials for any appropriate purpose. If quotes or images are used, last names may be hidden to retain privacy.

The application deadline is 7 PM CST on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at scholar@musicpf.org. Semifinalists will be selected by September 1, and finalists announced on or about October 1. Recipients will be notified by email and letter.

The child of any member in good standing of a local musicians union, who is a high school graduate and is planning to attend a college, university, community college, or trade school in the fall of 2020, is eligible to apply. The individual does not need to be studying for a music-related degree. Up to two young adults per family may apply, and up to five students from any one local union of the American Federation of Musicians may receive a scholarship; more will be wait-listed and awarded as able. Applications must verify high school completion and acceptance into a trade school, community college, 4-year college, or university as a full-time student for the Fall 2020 semester, and an expressed intention to attend at that time. It is my understanding that a current student who is also an AFM member is also eligible to apply.

Up to $100,000 in funds will be awarded. Up to 25 individuals will receive $2,000, an engraved plaque, and award certificate. Up to 100 individuals will receive $500 and an award certificate. Awards will be made out directly to the student.