An update about this year's nomination process for the Presser Graduate Music Award. Please note that unlike previous years, there will not be any initial selection by areas. Instead, all applications will be reviewed by the School of Music Small Grants Committee, which will select one proposal to go forward from the School to the Presser Foundation.
Description of the award:
The Presser Foundation awards a stipend of $10,000 to supplement the academic enrichment and musical advancement of ONE current graduate student in the University of Illinois School of Music. The nominee must be a returning student for the 2021-2022 academic year. The Fellowship is intended to afford to the recipient opportunities that are not normally provided in a university or conservatory setting. It is not to be applied towards tuition, housing costs, and other expenses normally incurred in pursuit of a degree.
What to do if you are interested:
Your completed proposal should be submitted in one pdf to Jenny Phillips (jhorn@illinois.edu) no later than Monday, 1 February 2021 at 12:00 PM CST. Please see below for details of the application format. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application format:
Applicants must submit a statement indicating how the Presser Award, if granted, would be used to further their musical education and careers. The following are given by Presser as illustrative examples only: summer study abroad with a noted teacher; travel to audition with orchestras, opera companies or chamber ensembles for professional opportunities; short-term enrollment in summer programs such as Aspen or Tanglewood. The Presser Foundation seeks proposals that are imaginative as well as practical and which make clear how the Award will enhance a student’s career objectives.
The student’s statement should take the form of a narrative proposal and a budget; it should occupy no more than two pages and be submitted as a pdf. The budget should indicate for what purpose, when and where, the grant funds will be used.
