Scholarships

Through generous sponsors, individual donations, #GivingTuesday online fundraisers, grants, and corporate sponsorship, MMC pulls together a wide range of resources and  fundraises throughout the year to be able to offer several different scholarship opportunities to participants.  Our goal is to make this music accessible to all, and we are grateful to all who make this endeavor happen.  Currently, MMC offers Student Scholarships, The Bob Dragone Memorial Scholarships (available to military personnel),  as well Video Scholarship Competitions.  Details below!

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS:  Any full-time registered student, whether in kindergarten or Graduate School, is eligible to receive a $100 scholarship.  (Proof of class schedule/registration must be emailed to monroemandolincamp@gmail.com)

BOB DRAGONE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (for Active Duty or Veteran members of the Military): The Bob Dragone Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Robert Dragone, who in 2020, passed after a tremendous battle with cancer.  Bob served as an Air Force Intelligence Officer during the Vietnam War after attaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at SUNY Buffalo, and Master’s Degree from the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins. He had a distinguished thirty-year career with the CIA living and working internationally, worked for government contractors for the next 10 years, then went into business for himself teaching leadership development and producing a podcast with international listenership. Bob loved playing Bluegrass and Old-Time American music on his mandolin, and attended all Monroe Mandolin Camp gatherings.

A total of $1500, or three $500 scholarships will be awarded to assist with tuition costs for active duty or veterans of the military, to attend the Monroe Mandolin Camp.   To be considered for one of these Memorial Scholarships, please write an essay on your musical pursuits, what instrument(s) you play, what would be goals in attending camp, and why you are interested in playing/learning original bluegrass music, and what part of the military you served in or currently serve in.  Your essay will be reviewed by members of the Scholarship Committee.  You may submit request and essay to monroemandolincamp@gmail.com, Subject Header “Bob Dragone Memorial Scholarship”.

VIDEO SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION:  Through generous donors and underwriting, we are proud to announce we have $2400 of Scholarship Prizes to award in 2022!

  • MANDOLIN, FIDDLE, BANJO, GUITAR Video Competition: Submit video between March 1-15. Winners announced April 15th.

COMPETITION RULES

  • Music submitted must be a Bill Monroe song or instrumental.
  • Submissions open to candidates of any age.
  • Participants to write a 400 word essay on their musical pursuits, why they are interested in Monroe’s prolific music and their goals in attending this camp.
  • Video must be made specifically for this competition.
  • Video must remain under 4 minutes.
  • Announce your name and song/instrumental title on the video. You may play solo or with accompaniment-just make sure video camera is pointing on person submitting video. Please make sure we can see both left and right hands!
  • A maximum of 25 submissions for each instrument will be accepted (you will receive an email with confirmation if your video is accepted.)
  • Upload video to YouTube (please make it public), and email the link to us. In subject line of email, please write “2022 (Insert Instrument ) MonManCamp Video Scholarship Competition.”
  • There will be 3 Prize Awards given per instrument: 1st Place – $300, 2nd Place – $200, 3rd Place – $100.  At the judges discretion, Encouragement Awards may also be awarded ($100). Total Scholarships Awarded: $2400.
  • Transportation, meals and lodging are separate and not included in the award, and the responsibility of the winner.
  • Winning video may be used in promotional materials.
  • Entries will be judged on 4 categories including: Authenticity, Execution, Difficulty, and Technique.
  • Previous Video Scholarship winners are not eligible for consecutive years on the same instrument.
  • Video Scholarship Winners are limited to instrument classes for which they won the scholarship.