In this article you will learn apply for music grants in all 50 states, the dos and don'ts of grant application, and turn your passion and knowledge of music into cash.
Instructions
1. Identify the appropriate grant. Make sure the grant that you are applying for is right for your field and needs. Many state grants require that you are a resident of that state, or at least a student there. Some grants are specifically offered for the kind of art an institution wishes to promote. Some grants are meant to enhance the diversity of a musical field or promote theory, rather than practice. Some grants are meant for new students and some are meant for well established artists. Grants can be strictly state programs or can be backed by private philanthropic organizations. (The New York State Music Fund, for example, is backed by the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.) If a grant is purely state-based, that grant might not be offered annually, or it might not be the same amount each year. If you must delay submitting an application, you will want to know what the grant is going to look like from year to year.
2. Research the grant history. Who has won the grant in the past? What kind of work have they done or plan to do? You might be able to enhance your application by including work or plans that are along the lines of projects of previous recipients. Do not make your application a carbon copy of previous recipients, however. You don't want to seem unimaginative, or appear as if you are plagiarizing.
3. Follow the rules and requirements to the letter. The worst feeling in the world is to send a strong application to a board and realize that you played two songs on your tape, rather than the required three. If you are confused about the requirements, contact someone in charge of the grant or the philanthropic organization that is funding it. Often, they have a specific idea of what an application should look like, and variation from that application could disqualify you. There will likely be a long line of red tape and paperwork to go along with your scholarly endeavor. Make copies of every form you fill out and write the dates of submission at the top. If you submit your paperwork in person, ask someone to put a time stamp on it. Keep all of these copies in a file at home in case there is any question about meeting submission deadlines.
4. Some grants require an audition tape. If you are applying for a grant that requires the submission of proof of your musical prowess, now would be a good time to splurge and get real recording studio time. You could certainly use a home video recorder or audio tape recorder, but the quality will be enhanced by a professional recording done on a sound stage. Studio time often can run into hundreds of dollars an hour, so inquire whether a local studio offers student discounts. If you can't find a music studio in your area, radio stations often have the same kind of equipment and recording capabilities. A professionally recorded piece says that you are committed to quality. Remember: This recording is like your resume.
5. If you aim to do scholarly research in music theory or history, make sure you have a well thought-out thesis, and get a real professor or researcher to look at your work or publish something on your area of focus in a scholarly journal. This shows that you are willing to submit your work to peer review, which is important in the world of scholarship. Remember to have a comprehensive works cited page to avoid plagiarism.
6. Always make follow-up calls. Don't call people everyday to make sure that your piece has been submitted or is under consideration. Instead, making just one or two calls to the right people will keep you and your work fresh in the judges minds. You also can make follow-up calls to ensure all of your paperwork has been received. It's better to ask questions than to let something slip past that could put you at risk of losing the grant.
