Applicant Criteria

• Houston Cecilia understands the education and rehearsal demands that students face throughout their student career. Applicants and recipients are not asked to participate or sing with the Houston Cecilia Chamber Choir.

• Applicants must major in music with an emphasis in vocal performance at an accredited four-year university of higher education in Houston, TX.

• Applicants must be a US citizen, national, or permanent resident.

• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. If the student is an incoming freshman into a four-year university, the student must have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 and must also be enrolled in the choral music program (curriculum) at the high school in which they attend.

• Applicants must show proof of enrollment into a vocal performance university studio at the university from which they will attend during the Spring semester of 2026.

• Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from a university professor in the field of music sent for submission via email. Applicants transferring from a two-year college must provide a letter of recommendation from a music professor. Incoming freshman must provide a letter of recommendation from their high school music educator.

• Scholarship recipients agree to utilize the full amount of the awarded scholarship toward the assistance of their education expenses.

• Scholarship award will be sent to the university financial office where the applicant is enrolled for the Spring semester of 2026.

• Scholarship recipients will submit a bio headshot with an abridged biography of their music experience while providing consent to publicize the scholarship award acknowledgement on the Houston Cecilia Chamber Choir website, newsletter, and multiple social media platforms.

• Scholarship recipients are encouraged to attend a Houston Cecilia Chamber Choir concert for audience recognition.

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Essays
Applicants will be required to answer two essay questions within the application form. Both essays are to be a minimum of 1 page (double spaced) and a maximum of 3 pages (double spaced),12 pt. font.

1. Explain why you should be chosen to receive a vocal scholarship from The Houston Cecilia Chamber Choir. Describe what your aspirations are as a vocalist and how you believe this scholarship will help you achieve your goals. How does your unique story set you apart in the world of music?

2.  How was Johann Sebastian Bach influenced by Martin Luther in his composition writing? Provide an example where J.S. Bach applies the words of M. Luther in his works and how the music was presented to the community during the time of J.S. Bach. Provide a works citation page. (Please provide the sources that you have utilized for presenting your findings. Works citation page is not included in the minimum/maximum essay page count).