Emily Robey Morrison Scholarship Award
Emily Robey Morrison Scholarship
Why it matters
The Front Porch’s founder, Emily Robey Morrison, recognized that everyone has the capacity to make and love music – they just might not know it yet. She started The Front Porch to offer numerous supportive and unique ways for people to express that inner musicality. With that spirit and vision in mind, we are excited to announce the Emily Robey Morrison Scholarship Award.
The purpose of the scholarship award is to provide a transformative opportunity for up to three people to connect, grow, and contribute to the community through music. We are looking for applicants who have a passion for music, a commitment to learning, and a financial situation that would make it difficult to pay for this suite of lessons. This is a separate scholarship award from our traditional needs-based financial aid, which we will continue to offer. We aim to find highly-motivated students for whom this opportunity will be especially transformative.
What it is
The recipients of this scholarship will receive a year of free weekly private lessons AND group classes at The Front Porch, as well as instrument rentals. In 2025, as we build up this program, we will offer this scholarship to two children (rising 4th – 12th grade) and one adult. Recipients may be invited to renew their scholarship for subsequent years.
Areas of study include: piano, banjo, guitar (electric or acoustic), fiddle/violin, mandolin, bass (electric or stand up), drums, voice, and songwriting. You do not need prior musical experience to apply, just a passion for music. We hope that private (one-on-one) lessons will help students grow their technical skills as musicians, while the group classes will connect students to other musicians. This will encourage students to apply their technical skills as they become part of a musical community and learn to play with others.
We commit to:
The Front Porch commits to supporting the student’s learning however we can. If transportation is an issue, we might be able to help. We can help coordinate practice space, instrument rentals, and more. Front Porch staff and teaching artists can support applications, gigs, and more – our goal is to break down any barriers and ensure you feel supported on your musical journey.
You commit to:
We hope that students become an active member of this musical community and take advantage of the wide range of programs The Front Porch offers. To maintain eligibility for the scholarship renewal after a year, students are expected to attend lessons, participate actively in the learning process, and communicate with Front Porch staff and teachers regarding issues and challenges. This includes participating in our recitals and showcases when possible. Recipients also agree to be publicly recognized by The Front Porch and may be invited to share their story or participate in special events or promotions, with consent.
The Application
Scholarships are awarded based on a holistic review of musical interest, commitment to learning, financial challenges, and potential impact – all aspects are important. Applications will be anonymously reviewed by a small committee of trusted Front Porch music teachers and staff. You do not need to have prior music experience to apply.
Please answer the questions below honestly and to the best of your ability. There is also an option to fill out a paper version of this application in person, email musicschool@frontporchcville.org to set up a time to visit us.
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian may help complete the application. For each question that has a written response, there is an option to upload an audio or video response to the question instead. For a guide on how to record and video or audio clip online for free and upload it, click HERE.
Applications are due June 30th at 11:59pm. We expect to choose awardees in July/August, and the scholarship year will begin in September.
If you have any questions about the application, if you need assistance, or have any technical issues, reach out to Katen HERE.