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Performing Arts Scholarship Opportunities

In Fall 2026, Drury University is offering a new scholarship program, the Drury Distinguished Musician Award (DDMA)*. Our faculty are pleased to offer $30,000 scholarships to high school seniors skilled in choir, concert band, harp, jazz ensemble, marching & athletic band, orchestra, and organ.

If you are not participating in the DDMA, separate scholarships awards are available through an individual chair/placement audition at the beginning of the semester. Choose one or both options below: Theatre or Join an Ensemble.

*Only individuals who participate in the DDMA event, on the listed day, in-person, are eligible. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) can be found at the bottom of this page.

Drury Distinguished Musician Award

Our Drury Distinguished Musician Award event is on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Please plan to RSVP by Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

  • You will receive an email with your time slot closer to the event.
  • You do not need to be a music major or minor to receive a scholarship.
  • Students must be admitted to Drury by Jan. 15, 2026.
  • Click the button below to sign up.

Click Here to Register

Theatre Audition

Please prepare either two contrasting monologues or one monologue and one musical theatre song.

You do not need to be a Theatre major or minor to receive a theatre activity grant.

If you’re able to visit campus for a live audition, we’ll contact you to schedule a convenient day and time. If you prefer to submit a video audition, you’ll be asked to upload your video link through the form at the link below. If you’re not ready to submit your video at this time, please revisit when you have all materials prepared.

Click the button below to schedule or submit your audition.

Click Here to Audition

Join an Ensemble

How Can I Join an Ensemble?

Students can sign up for an ensemble once they are an active student on campus, beginning their first academic year at Drury. Students are not required to be a Music major or minor to participate in an ensemble.

If you competed for our Drury Distinguished Music Award event day, you do not need to complete this form.

Please click the registration button below if you are interested in joining an ensemble.

Click Here to Register

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Drury Distinguished Musician Award Specific Questions

DDMA - Will there be time to warm-up before my audition?

Yes. A general event schedule will be emailed to you before the event, so you’ll know what to expect for the day. Your exact warm-up and audition time will be sent within your confirmation

DDMA - Can parents and family members attend?

Yes! We’d love to have them, but they’ll not be allowed in your audition room. We will have parent-specific informational sessions throughout the day. They also don’t have to attend the day.

DDMA - What will I be doing when I am not auditioning?

Visiting with other prospective students or taking a tour of campus.

DDMA - Can I take a campus tour on this day?

Yes, optional campus tours will be provided during and following the event. You might consider bringing walking shoes to change into before the tour. It’s likely you’ll need a coat and gloves, too!

Other

What is the attire for the day?

We request that students wear business attire and dress to impress. We also don’t want your attire to be a hindrance to your audition in any way. If you wear a t-shirt and jeans, you will feel out of place, but there is no need for formal dresses or a tux.

I am from out of town. Where are the best hotels/lodging?

Please visit this page.

Will a meal be provided/should I pack a lunch?

We will be catering a lunch for all auditionees and their guests. On the registration page we will collect any allergies or dietary requests.

Who should I contact if I have questions about my audition?

Please contact your admission counselor with any questions about the event or audition process.

When will I be notified of the results?

You will be notified of the results within two weeks of your audition. If you are a scholarship recipient, we kindly request that you let us know as soon as possible about your ultimate decision on attending Drury in order to accept this award.

Will my award stack with other scholarships?

Our Drury Distinguished Musician Award of $30,000 will replace all other scholarships. Students who are not competing for the Drury Distinguished Musician Award but want to participate in an ensemble or theatre can still earn awards, and those awards are stackable with other Drury scholarships.

Can I receive additional scholarships if I’m part of multiple ensembles?

No. Students are considered for one comprehensive scholarship based on their talents. However, eligible students have the ability to stack any federal and/or state grants.

Do I have to be a Performing Arts Major to receive awards?

No! We encourage participation from all majors.

If I choose not to participate in future years, do I keep my award?

No, at the time you do not want to participate any longer, you will forfeit the scholarship.

Is my scholarship renewable?

Yes, music awards are renewable up to 5-years with Satisfactory Academic Progress.

For more information, please contact:

Troy Peterson, Wind Symphony & Marching Band Director
O’Bannon Hall 203
(417) 873-7578
tpeterson01@drury.edu
 
If you have specific ensemble questions not pertaining to the scholarship audition process, you may reach out to:
 
Choir
Professor Troy Peterson
tpeterson01@drury.edu
 
Wind Symphony & Marching Band
Professor Troy Peterson
tpeterson01@drury.edu
 
Jazz Ensemble
Professor Lori Hutton
lhutton@drury.edu
 
Orchestra
Professor Andy Johnston
ajohnston008@drury.edu

Click here to Apply to Drury University