Organ Scholarship

Organ Scholarship: Refine a Unique Talent

Next opening: Fall 2024

Priority Deadline: March 1^st

Deadline: March 15^th

Audition Dates: Rolling *Please contact Jonathan Bezdegian to schedule the audition.*

Assumption University provides an inimitable opportunity for graduating high school seniors who have a passion for the pipe organ and liturgical music. Every four years, the University awards a four-year, eight-semester, full tuition scholarship to an incoming student who demonstrates exemplary organ playing skills.

The awardee will have at their disposal, the 3-manual, 56 rank, Chabot Family Memorial pipe organ in the University’s Chapel of the Holy Spirit. They will be an active member of the University’s Music Ministry Team and have ample opportunities to enrich the liturgy at Masses every weekend of the academic year. They will sing in the University’s various ensembles and receive training in service playing, repertoire, conducting, and singing. They will declare a major in music and may also elect a double major if desired.

Due to the high expectations and volume of work required, applicants for the scholarship should have some experience in church music, a strong background in keyboard studies, and have some relative comfort with sight-reading.

The Organ Scholar Award will only be awarded to a dedicated organist who has seriously studied organ throughout high school and has strong, basic music skills.

More Information

- A completed application form (provided by Dr. Bezdegian after the applicant’s initial contact period).
- Two letters of recommendation:
- One from the applicant’s principal organ teacher, and one from their High School Guidance Counselor.
- A statement of intent, not more than 1000 words in length, outlining their future musical plans. Applicants must also explain how their goals (along with the receipt of the Organ Scholarship Award) will align with Assumption University’s music program, liturgical ministry, and Mission Statement.
Selected applicants will be invited to audition, in-person, in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Assumption University. They will present three, solo organ pieces in their entirety (they must be composed specifically for organ; no organ arrangements of instrumental works). Selections must include one complete work of Johann Sebastian Bach and two other contrasting compositions. Applicants must use relevant, printed editions. No online/IMSLP sources.

They will be asked to sight-read a short excerpt (hymn style) in 4-parts (using pedals), and an additional, 8-10 measure exercise.

After the playing portion, a formal interview will be conducted by the faculty and staff of the Department of Art & Music and Campus Ministry.

Organ Scholarship inquiries should be directed to Dr. Jonathan Bezdegian.

Organ Scholarship

Organ Scholarship: Refine a Unique Talent

More Information

Light the way.

A Catholic university located in the heart of New England in Worcester, Massachusetts, Assumption University strives to form graduates known for their critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship, and compassionate service.