Charles T. Griffes Music Scholarship

The Charles T. Griffes Music Scholarship is named in honor of the late American composer, Charles Tomlinson Griffes, who was born in Elmira, New York, in 1884, died in New York City in 1920, and who was a unique and powerful voice among early 20th Century composers. The scholarship was inaugurated by Charles T. Griffes, nephew of the composer. Award will be split evenly between the fall and spring semesters. Funding is based on availability.

Selection Criteria

• Candidates must be enrolled in the musical theatre major or American musical theatre minor or music minor.
• Candidates must be at least a second semester freshman, and must have at least one full academic year remaining at SUNY Cortland. Scholarship will be split between fall and spring semesters.
• Candidates must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
• Candidates should be enrolled in a music ensemble or have been enrolled in an ensemble in a previous semester.
• Candidates must play or sing an audition. Instrumentalists must perform one complete composition with accompanist, if appropriate or instrumentalists may perform a single movement from a sonata. Vocalists must perform a minimum of two songs, one of which must be from the classical repertoire.
• Candidates must submit a short essay outlining musical, academic, and extra-curricular activities in high school and/or at SUNY Cortland.
• Candidates must demonstrate talent, scholarship and progress toward completion of the student’s undergraduate program of study.
• Candidates will be required to write a 300- 500 word essay, outlining private study initiatives, life/career goals, grants, scholarships, awards, and other honors received while attending high school and/or while attending SUNY Cortland.
• Candidates must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester)

Renewal Information

• This scholarship is a one-time award and is non-renewable

Scholarship funding is determined by the Cortland College Foundation. Scholarship amounts and availability are subject to change.