BROTMW 2026 Youth Scholarship Application

Mars Hill University’s Blue Ridge Old Time Music Week (BROTMW) is in its first

year of awarding scholarships to youth ages 12-21. These awards encourage and

honor youth as they learn to play old time music on acoustic string instruments.

Applications for the Blue Ridge Old Time Music Week Youth Scholarship are due March 1st 2026

Please read the instructions and compete the form below.

  • You must be 12-21 years of age

    You must complete the application, including a video of yourself playing and a few paragraphs about yourself and your music. See instructions below. Applications should be completed when you register.

    Deadline for applications is March 1, 2026. Applicants will be notified by March 15th.

    Register as soon as possible (Dec-Feb) and make a $100 deposit to hold your place in your preferred class. The deposit will be refunded if you receive a scholarship.

  • Your application must include the following:

    • Personal and financial information

    • A few typed paragraphs about yourself and your musical activities, other interests, and thoughts/plans for the future.

    • A video recording of you playing your instrument (see instructions below).

    • One or two letters of recommendation are highly encouraged. Your recommenders can email letters to brotmweek@gmail.com with the subject line ‘[Applicant’s Name] Youth Scholarship Recommendation’ by March 1st.

      Please do not include letters from parents or relatives.

    Recording Your Video:

    • Do your best to enjoy this part! Keep it simple. Cell phone recordings will suffice.

    • Record the video close enough so that we can easily see and hear you play. No background noises, please.

    • Include one or two Old Time tunes or songs. Introduce yourself and the tune at the beginning of the video.

    • You may have one other person play with you, providing soft background. Just be sure that your playing stands out and that you can be heard clearly. You may also play on your own.

    Submitting Your Application

    • Please submit all materials at the same time when you register.

    • Letters of Recommendation should be emailed by recommenders to brotmweek@gmail.com in PDF format.

    • You will receive an automatic confirmation when your application has been submitted.

    • Questions? Call or text Amy Buckingham at (864)-561-4213 . Be sure to mention “scholarship” if you leave a message.