NFMC Michael R. Edwards Graduating Senior Performance Award
Offered by National Federation of Music Clubs
About This Scholarship
The Michael R. Edwards Graduating Senior Performance Award is the National Federation of Music Clubs' flagship prize for high school seniors, a single $5,000 scholarship for a graduating senior who will major in music in college. Within the NFMC Junior Division's long list of awards, it is the largest amount aimed squarely at the college transition.
NFMC is a century-old federation of music clubs, teachers, and student members across all 50 states, and its Junior Division awards are judged through recorded or regional auditions rather than a national live round, keeping entry costs low. The Edwards award application is due May 1, timed so seniors can apply in the spring before their freshman year of music school.
Applicants come up through NFMC's junior membership, typically via a teacher or local club affiliated with the Federation, so students should confirm their membership status with their music teacher before applying.
Eligibility
- Graduating high school senior
- Planning to major in music at the collegiate level
- NFMC Junior Division membership (through a federated junior club, federated teacher, or individual junior membership)
- Performance audition submitted per the award requirements form on the NFMC Junior Division page
How To Apply
- Confirm NFMC junior membership through your music teacher or local federated club
- Download the Michael R. Edwards award requirements and application form from the NFMC Junior Division awards page
- Prepare and record the required performance audition
- Submit the application and recording by May 1
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Michael R. Edwards award?
It is a single $5,000 scholarship for a graduating high school senior who will major in music, making it the largest NFMC Junior Division award.
Do I need to be an NFMC member?
Yes. Junior Division awards require NFMC junior membership, which most students hold through a federated music teacher or local junior music club. Ask your private teacher whether they are federated.
When is the deadline?
May 1 each year. The award is designed for seniors finalizing college plans, so winners are selected before fall enrollment.