You could win a merit scholarship for private music lessons, our Suzuki Program, or our J@MS Program! Open to students of all ages who meet the skill requirements.

Merit scholarship auditions are open to current students of The Music Settlement's Center for Music. Students interested in receiving a scholarship must complete an audition. All merit awards will be put toward tuition for the upcoming school year.  Scroll down to download the current application.

For more information about Suzuki merit scholarship auditions, click here.

Community merit scholarship auditions are offered in the summer.  Details are posted in late spring.

Now Accepting Applications!
Mid-Year Merit Scholarship Auditions

Saturday, December 13, 2025
1:00 - 5:00 pm
TMS University Circle
11125 Magnolia Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106

You could earn a merit scholarship for up to 50% off private music lessons!  Note: These auditions are for traditional private lessons only.

These mid-year auditions are open to anyone in the community, as well as current music students of The Music Settlement who have not already received a merit scholarship for the 2025 - 2026 school year.  Merit scholarships will be awarded based on audition performance and will be put toward private lesson tuition for the spring 2026 semester, beginning February 1, 2026 (up to 18 private music lessons).   All applications must be received no later than Saturday, December 6th.

Auditions will be held in-person at our University Circle campus. Video auditions will also be accepted. See application for more details.

2025 - 2026 Audition Requirements by Department

• Brass & Winds (Intermediate and up) -- Two contrasting solos. Etudes/technical pieces accepted. Memorization optional.
  - Middle School: Major scales up to 4 accidentals, one minor scale.
  - High School and Up: All major scales, one minor scale.

• Composition (Intermediate and up) -- Audition by submission of two original works that demonstrate creativity and skill level in melodic invention, harmonic and rhythmic interest, and formal structure. Printed score and hand notated sample must be submitted if work is presented electronically. Composition applicants do not need to attend an audition.  All materials must be received by Saturday, December 6, 2025.
  
  
• Fiddle (Intermediate and up) -- Two hoedowns in different keys and/or tuning, memorization required. All tunes should be played at or close to dance tempo in old-time fiddle style. Cross tuning is allowed. May play alone or with one accompanist.
  
  
• Guitar (Intermediate and up) -- Two contrasting solos, memorization required. Two major scales, one minor scale, two octaves.
  
  
• Harp (Intermediate and up) -- Two contrasting solos, memorization optional. Etude, appropriate to skill level. Arpeggios optional.

• Percussion (Intermediate and up) -- Snare drum rudiments, open/closed rolls, prepared snare drum solo, drum set (if studied). Optional: if studied -- mallet scales and solo, timpani tuning and solo.

• Piano (Advanced Beginner and up) -- Two contrasting solos. Memorization required. No duets except for concerto movements. Three scales (your choice, major/minor). Arpeggios optional. All method book solos and movie arrangements must be submitted to the Piano Department Head for approval no later than Saturday, December 6th.

• Strings (Intermediate and up) -- Two contrasting solos, memorization optional. Etude, appropriate to skill level. Major scales up to three accidentals, one minor scale.
  - Intermediate Level: 2 - 3 octaves memorized.
  - Advanced Level: 3 octaves memorized.
  
  
• Voice (Intermediate and up) -- Two contrasting solos. Memorization required (except for oratorio arias). For current/returning students, one piece may be old repertoire and the other piece must be new repertoire within the last 12 months.

Download Your Application Today:

Application Deadline: Saturday, December 6, 2025

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

*Suzuki Department Merit Auditions

Suzuki Department Merit Auditions are only available for current Suzuki students, held annually each spring.  For information about merit scholarship auditions for The Music Settlement's Suzuki Department, please visit our Current Suzuki Students page.