Scholarship Auditions
Since 1946, the Musical Merit Foundation of Greater San Diego has held a yearly competition for instrumentalists and vocalists. Competition winners have demonstrated extraordinary education, prodigious talent and skill. Many are currently studying in prestigious universities and conservatories or performing professionally in symphonies and opera companies throughout the world.
APPLY ONLINE:
Online applications are now open
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Preparation checklist:
1. Review repertoire instructions for instrumentalists and vocalists.
2. Returning applicants and winners can review and update their profiles in our membership website.
3. Submit application at musicalmerit.wildapricot.org
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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
2024 AGE REQUIREMENTS
Instrumentalists: All applicants must have reached age 16 or be a graduating high school senior, and not have reached age 24 on the date of the Final Audition, Friday, May 24..
Vocalists: All applicants must have reached age 18 or be a graduating high school senior, and not have reached age 32 on the date of the Final Audition, Friday, May 24..
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RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
First Time Applicants: An applicant who is participating in the Preliminary Auditions must be a resident of San Diego County, Imperial County, or Baja California Norte for a minimum of one year at the time of the Preliminary Auditions - OR - have been a full-time registered student (12 semester units) in a college or university in the above geographic area since the preceding September. Proof of full-time registration must be provided with the application.
Returning Applicants Who Did Not Pass Through To The Final:
Audition: A returning applicant who is again participating in the Preliminary Auditions must be a resident of San Diego County, Imperial County, or Baja California Norte for a minimum of one year at the time of the Preliminary Auditions - OR - have been a full-time registered student (12 semester units) in a college or university in the above geographic area since the preceding September. Proof of full-time registration must be provided with the application.
Finalists From Previous Years: Residency requirements do not apply to participants who have previously competed in the Final Auditions.
2024 AUDITION RULES FOR APPLICANTS
Accompanist
You must provide your own accompanist, if needed.
Repertoire
Audition repertoire should be from the appropriate, standard established repertoire. Please consult the Repertoire Requirements at musicalmerit.org. You should be prepared to perform any of the required repertoire program at each round of the auditions. You may select your first piece and judges will select from the remaining repertoire. No changes to repertoire will be accepted.
Original Scores
Applicants must upload legally authorized PDFs of all music to be performed for the use of the judges at each level of the competition. If you perform something that is no longer in print, you must provide acknowledgement from the publisher stating this fact.
Audition Times
For 2024, all applicants in the Preliminary Round Auditions will be required to upload pre-recorded video submissions. If you pass through the Preliminary Auditions, or are a Returning Finalist, you will be able to select your audition time for the Semi-Final Round. The Musical Merit Foundation may change audition times as needed.
Award Allocation Round (Final Round)
Performers selected for the Award Allocation Round (Final Audition) and their accompanists are required to keep May 24-25 available to perform their final audition program as determined by the Finals Judges. Performers will also be asked to record a selection to be included in the Virtual Awards Concert, streamed on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
