CVSM recognizes student excellence through the Merit Award scholarship. Students are selected through an audition process, receive scholarship money towards musical study, and represent CVSM in community performances.

Piano Awards- up to 3 students recognized, the 1st place recipient receives “The Martha B. Buckey Piano Scholarship”
Instrumental Awards – up to 3 students recognized, the 1st place recipient receives “The Maj Britt Kaal Instrumental Scholarship”
Voice Awards – up to 3 students recognized, the 1st place recipient receives “The Margaret Weeks Voice Award”
The Benjamin A. Rhine Award is presented to a student who displays proficiency on more than one instrument at CVSM.

2026 Audition Dates:
All to be held in Thomson Alumnae Chapel on Wilson College Campus
Tues., April 14 @ 6:30 PM – Instrumental Auditions – Results below
Thurs., April 16 @ 6:30 PM – Vocal Auditions – Results below
Wed., April 22 @ 6:30 PM – Piano Auditions – Results below

Printable Merit Application (in full)

Online Forms:
Online Intent Form– due by Feb. 2, 2026
Online Repertoire Form Student portion– due by March 9, 2026
Online Repertoire Form Teacher portion– due by March 9, 2026

Merit Scholarship Audition Policies

  • Applicants are expected to:
    • perform one selection, 3-5 minutes in length. Pianists and vocalists should have the piece memorized. All material should be chosen to display the student’s strengths, both technically and musically. Works totaling more than 5 minutes may be prepared, although only a portion fitting the time requirement should be performed at the audition.
    • play scale(s) (2 octaves) if performing on piano or an instrument. Students should prepare the scale in the key of the piece they are performing.
    • dress professionally for the audition. Appropriate options include dress slacks, long-sleeved shirt, polo or dress shirt, tie, sport coat or suit, dress, skirt & blouse, and dress shoes.
    • accept the decision of the judges as final. The decision will be made known to all applicants through an email in the days immediately following the audition. All applicants will receive a copy of the judges’ evaluations.
    • arrange for an accompanist. It is appropriate to pay an accompanist for their time and skill. Instrumentalists may choose to perform unaccompanied.