General Information
Each year, Venice Musicale conducts a scholarship competition, awarding thousands of dollars to talented youth to support summer music camp, private music lessons, residential high school music programs, and--for college-bound high school seniors--first-year college performance studies. To be eligible, students must live in or attend primary, middle, or secondary school in the area bounded by and inclusive of Osprey to the north and Charlotte County to the south. Applications are accepted in January-February each year.
Applicants selected to audition participate in a competitive audition in early Spring. Awardees and selected runners-up will perform in the Scholarship Awards Concert, which is our last concert of the season.
The process is developmental but rigorous and focused on performance. Students are assessed in each of five performance elements: accuracy, technique, rhythm, tone quality and expression. Each of the five elements is worth one to five points, for a possible total score of 25. The top three scorers may earn awards ranging from $300 to $3000, while the other students often receive Honorable Mentions of $100 or more to recognize their efforts and achievements.
Please be sure to check the guidelines for all deadlines. All documents are PDF and need a PDF reader to view.
2025 Photo Video Signature Form
2025 Teacher Recommendation Form
Once students have the signature form ready, they complete the application process online. If you do not have a login yet as a Scholarship Applicant, you must register first. Once you are registered, you login to complete the Current Scholarship Application found in your Account menu. Returning students that already have logins, it is necessary to update your profile with a signed Photo Release and Privacy Policy form for the current year.
Funding for Scholarships
Funding for scholarships comes from donations from members and friends, as well as from free will offerings accepted at our monthly and Sun Coast Duo Pianists concerts. Additionally, Venice Musicale members perform for community groups and organizations in exchange for scholarship donations; these performances provide about half of the monies available each year. Click here for more information on booking a concert for your private venue to support the Venice Musicale Scholarship Fund.
One hundred percent of each dollar donated for our Scholarship Program supports the student awards program. Venice Musicale is a 501(c)3 organization, registered with the federal and Florida state governments. All contributions are tax-deductible.
How to Contribute
Individuals and organizations may donate to the General Scholarship Fund. We also have a named Scholarship Program, offering an opportunity to contribute to existing funds or, for annual donors of $500 or more, to establish new awards in memory or honor of an individual. We accept both credit cards and checks when you donate online.
Thank you for your support!
