Scholarships in music at Doane College are available for majors and non-majors. Many of the students who participate in performance ensembles (band and choir) are non-music majors and many receive music scholarships. 
How much do I enjoy my music making?
For the music faculty at Doane College, performer attitude means a lot. If you are thinking about auditioning simply to receive scholarship funds, you may find that your participation is more effort than it is worth to you. We have high expectations for our performing organizations. The scholarship requires that you participate in an ensemble every semester, and there are other requirements, such as lessons, depending on the level of funding you receive. You can choose to drop out of an ensemble, but you may lose your scholarship. If you are sure that you do not want to participate every year, you may choose not to take a scholarship and simply participate when interest and time allow.
For students who really enjoyed participation in high school pep band or marching band, a Tiger Pep Band Grant is available. This scholarship will give you a small amount of scholarship money in exchange for participation in the Tiger Pep Band. The pep band plays for all home football games and one away football game and rehearses once a week on Fridays.
What are the scholarship requirements?
All scholarships for performance ensembles require you to take from two to seven semesters of lessons, depending upon the amount of ability-based scholarship money you receive. Students with higher scholarship awards are asked to take FAR 104 (developing musical skills). This music fundamentals course will fulfill the Aesthetic Perspective requirement in the Doane Plan.
How do I know if I am talented enough to receive scholarship money?
This is difficult to answer. Many of us, by nature, tend to underestimate our ability. If you are one of these people, you should definitely try out. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that you have talent worthy of receiving scholarship money. Our awards are based on several factors, but primarily on ability and ensemble needs. We encourage anyone who has an interest to try out.
What is a scholarship audition like?
The audition serves two purposes. It is an opportunity for you, as an individual and a musician, to make an impression on us. It also provides an opportunity for us to make an impression on you. When you come to audition, you will want to look your best. You should also prepare your performance material ahead of time so that you can do your best.
Vocal Scholarship
Prepare one solo of contest quality (i.e., something you would take to district music contest).
You will be asked to vocalize patterns to test voice range and tonal imagery.
Instrumental scholarships
Prepare a solo on your instrument of contest quality (i.e., something you would take to district music contest).
You will be asked to perform scales to demonstrate your range and sight-read a selection to demonstrate your music literacy skills.
Students may audition for both vocal and instrumental scholarships. While this can mean more scholarship funds, it also requires the student to perform in two ensembles and possibly take additional lessons.
Tiger Pep Band Grant You do not need to audition for the Tiger Pep Band Grant. However, we would like you to notify both Dr. Gilbert and your Doane admission representative of you wish to receive the grant. It will be added to your package when it is being processed.
How much scholarship money will I receive?
The awarding of scholarships is highly variable. The department gives its highest awards to students who have outstanding musical ability, but high awards also go to students who sing a particular voice or play an instrument which the college needs. We try to help as many good musicians as possible within the limits of our scholarship budget.
When are scholarship auditions?
Doane has four scholarship dates, though you may audition any time you choose. Our first audition dates are in January, depending upon the school calendar. The second and third auditions occur in early February and are reserved for vocal students. The last audition date is in early March. When you decide which day you want to audition, please call the Admission Office (402.826.8222) and schedule a time.
What if I am unable to come to the auditions?It is always best to audition in person for scholarship money. Because of the highly variable quality of recording equipment and microphones, it is sometimes difficult to get a high quality recording of your music making. However, many of our Doane students come from outside the state of Nebraska, and it is simply impossible to get to Crete for a live audition. If you cannot make it to the campus in January or February, we certainly want you to send us a recording of your audition material. A video (DVD) recording is preferable. However, an audio recording (CD) is also acceptable. Remember that you are being judged primarily on the quality of your playing or singing. Therefore, the higher the quality of your recording, the more accurately we can assess your musical ability and recognize it accordingly.
Other questions? Call us at 402.826.8256, we will be happy to answer any questions you have.