Empowering Young Musicians: The Berry/Kauffold Music Scholarship 2025

[posted March 18, 2025]

Music has the profound ability to inspire, uplift, and transform lives. For high school instrumentalists in Michigan, the Berry/Kauffold Music Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to further their musical education and passion. Now in its third year, this scholarship is dedicated to supporting students in grades nine through eleven, helping them enhance their skills and deepen their love for music.

About the Scholarship

The Berry/Kauffold Music Scholarship was established with the mission to provide financial assistance to talented high school musicians. The scholarship funds can be utilized for various purposes, including:

Private Lessons: Personalized instruction to refine technique and artistry.

Music Camps: Immersive experiences that offer intensive training and performance opportunities.

Instrument Upgrades: Acquiring new instruments or enhancing existing ones with better accessories, such as bows or mouthpieces.

By alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with musical development, the scholarship aims to encourage long-term involvement in music performance and education.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Berry/Kauffold Music Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Residency: Attend high school in the state of Michigan or be sponsored by a current Michigan District Optimist Club.

Grade Level: Be in the ninth (9th) through eleventh (11th) grade.

Music Program Participation: Be current members of their high school instrumental or orchestral music program.

These criteria ensure that the scholarship reaches dedicated students committed to their musical growth.

Application Process

Interested students are required to complete the following steps:

Application Form: Fill out the student application form available on the scholarship’s official website.

Teacher Recommendation: Obtain a recommendation from a music teacher who can attest to the applicant’s skills and dedication.

Performance Video: Submit a video recording of a musical performance, lasting between two to five minutes, showcasing the applicant’s proficiency.

All application materials must be submitted by April 15, 2025. Applicants will be kept informed about the status of their application throughout the selection process.

Selection and Awards

A total of $2,000 will be awarded to deserving high school students in Michigan. The scholarship committee will review applications based on the completeness of the application, the teacher’s recommendation, and the quality of the performance video.

Scholarship recipients will be announced during the Michigan District Optimists Third Quarter Conference in May 2025. The exact time and date will be determined and communicated to applicants. Should there be any changes due to unforeseen circumstances, such as public health concerns, announcements will be made via USPS mail.

Utilizing the Scholarship

Scholarship awards must be used by September 15, 2025. If the scholarship is intended for private lessons, recipients are required to maintain a Private Lesson Verification Log, which should be submitted to the scholarship committee no later than October 1, 2025. Payment will be made directly to the student within thirty days after the log has been received and verified.

Supporting the Scholarship

The Berry/Kauffold Music Scholarship thrives on the generosity of individuals and organizations passionate about music education. Donations to fund the scholarship can be sent to the Optimist International Foundation (OIF) care of the Berry/Kauffold Music Scholarship. Any amount contributed will supplement the founders’ contributions and will be entirely awarded to student winners.

Contact Information

For any questions or further information, please contact the Scholarship Committee:

Debra Berry

Phone: 248/467-0592 Email: deb@debinparis.com

Michelle Kauffold

Phone: 313-510-6300 Email: newmichelle@att.net

The Berry/Kauffold Music Scholarship stands as a testament to the commitment of nurturing young musical talent in Michigan. By providing financial support and encouragement, the scholarship helps students pursue their musical dreams and contributes to the cultural enrichment of the community. If you or someone you know meets the eligibility criteria, consider applying for this opportunity to further your musical journey. For more details and to access the application forms, visit the official scholarship website below: