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Continuing and strengthening NFA’s mission of inspiring flutists, enriching lives, and impacting those who need it most, the First Generation in College Scholarship aims to support and develop educational and career opportunities for talented, first generation in college students. First-generation in college students are defined as those students whose parents have not completed a bachelor's degree. Offered nationwide, this scholarship provides a transformative experience for college-level students with challenging financial backgrounds.

First Generation in College Scholarship

About the Scholarship

The First Generation in College Scholarship is a merit-based, one-time monetary award granted to a flutist currently enrolled in or accepted to attend an accredited college, university or conservatory in the United States.  Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate music degree with the flute as their primary instrument and comply with the definition of first-generation college students above.

The awardee will receive a monetary award of $2,000 to be applied toward tuition, educational fees, or any other related expenses including but not limited to housing, meals, travel, or educational materials. In addition, the awardee will enjoy one-on-one career mentorship sessions with a member of the Career and Artistic Development Committee during the academic year.

Questions should be directed to scholarship coordinator Nora Lee Garcia.

Application Requirements

In order to be considered for the First Generation in College Flute Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a citizen or legal resident of the United States.
  2. Be under the age of 25 years by the application deadline.
  3. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student majoring in music at an accredited college, university, or conservatory in the United States for the upcoming academic year.
  4. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and rising senior students in college will be eligible to apply. Senior students in high school who have completed an audition and application process and have been accepted into a music program at a university, college, or conservatory in the United States are also eligible.
  5. Applicants cannot apply for the First Generation in College Scholarship and the Frances Blaisdell Convention Scholarship in the same calendar year.

All applicants must submit their recordings and upload materials by 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time, June 1, 2021.

Applicants must submit the following materials; incomplete applications will not be considered.

  1. Video recording only of the applicant performing two works of contrasting styles for unaccompanied flute. The program must be 6 to 10 minutes long and recorded not more than 6 months prior to submission. Applicants must choose works from the two categories of standard solo flute repertoire listed below. Works should be played without repeats. Please submit .mov files. Links to YouTube or SoundCloud are also acceptable..    
    • Baroque: choose movements from: CPE Bach, Sonata in A Minor; JS Bach, Partita; Telemann, Fantasies
    • Twentieth Century: choose movements from Bozza, Image; Debussy, Syrinx; Ferroud, Trois Pieces; Honegger, Danse de la Chevre; Hoover, Kokopelli or Winter Spirits; Ibert, Piece;  Karg-Elert, Sonata Appassionata; La Montaine, Solo Sonata; Varese, Density 21.5; Coleman, Danza de la Mariposa; Heiss, Four Lyric Pieces; Smith, Three Brevities; Loggins-Hull, Homeland;  Hailstork, Flute Set; Uebayashi, Le Vent a Travers les Ruines and Muczynski, Three Preludes
  2. Two letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should address the following: (a) the applicant's present and prospective level of flute musicianship; (b) the applicant’s potential to succeed in a higher education setting; and (c) the financial need of the applicant. Please only submit .doc, .docx, or .pdf files
  3. An essay by the applicant explaining their financial need and desire to continue their education (500-1000 words)

The window to apply for the 2021 First Generation in College Scholarship has closed.


2021 Scholarship Winner

Miguel Rodriguez crop

Miguel Rodriguez, 
Northwestern University

"As I grew up, my parents always told me that hard work pays off. When I decided to focus on music and take my chances at university auditions, I found that their words were true. Now, with the generosity of the NFA, my college dreams and future aspirations are even more tangible."


2020 Scholarship Winners

Gabriel Cruz Ruiz
Gabriel Cruz-Ruiz, 
Oberlin Conservatory

"This scholarship will help me complete the amount of money to purchase a more sophisticated instrument than the one I own now, which is a student model. With this new instrument, I hope to tackle new musical challenges more efficiently. I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for this opportunity and how excited I am to begin the mentorship program."

Fernando Perez
Fernando Perez,
Boise State University

"I grew up knowing that music is expensive, as my family and I were having trouble paying for expenses. I thank the NFA First Generation in College Scholarship because it will open doors that will allow me to connect with other musicians, whether it’s through music festivals or summer camps. I’m also looking forward to meeting other scholarship recipients who share a similar background."