NFMC Joyce Walsh Junior Awards

Offered by National Federation of Music Clubs

Award
$1,000–$2,500
Deadline
Mar 1, 2027
Awards
7
Grade Level
Middle School, High School Underclassman, High School Senior
Essay
Not required

About This Scholarship

The Joyce Walsh Junior Awards are the National Federation of Music Clubs' prizes for young instrumentalists and vocalists with special needs, awarding $2,500 for first place, $2,000 for second, and a $1,000 award in each NFMC region. The money is intended to support continued music study: lessons, instruments, camps, or related education costs.

Students ages 12 through 18 enter by recorded audition through NFMC's regional judging network, the same low-cost, no-travel format used across the Federation's Junior Division. The combination of national and regional prize tiers means several students win four-figure or $1,000 awards each cycle.

Applicants hold NFMC junior membership through a federated teacher, local junior club, or individual junior membership, and the annual deadline is March 1. Requirements and documentation details are in the award form posted on the NFMC Junior Division page.

Eligibility

  • Students with disabilities/special needs who have reached age 12 but not 19 by the March 1 deadline
  • Instrumentalists and vocalists are both eligible
  • NFMC Junior Division membership (federated junior club, federated teacher, or individual junior membership)
  • Recorded audition and documentation per the Joyce Walsh requirements form

How To Apply

  • Confirm NFMC junior membership through your music teacher or local federated club
  • Download the Joyce Walsh Junior Award requirements form from the NFMC Junior Division awards page
  • Record the required audition and gather the documentation listed on the form
  • Submit the application, fee, and materials by March 1

Apply Now →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Joyce Walsh award amounts?

First place nationally is $2,500, second place is $2,000, and each NFMC region gives a $1,000 award, so multiple students win at meaningful levels every year.

What can the award money be used for?

The awards support continued music study, which can include private lessons, instruments, summer programs, and eventually collegiate music education.

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NFMC Joyce Walsh Junior Awards: $1,000–$2,500 Scholarship | The College Investor