NFMC Stillman Kelley/Thelma Byrum Instrumental Awards
Offered by National Federation of Music Clubs
About This Scholarship
The Stillman Kelley Instrumental Awards are among the oldest student music prizes in America, run by the National Federation of Music Clubs for instrumentalists under age 19. The national winner receives $2,000, second place $1,000, and third place $750, with a companion $750 Thelma Byrum Award for further study and five regional awards of $500 each spread across NFMC's regions.
Because the competition is judged from submitted auditions rather than an expensive live national round, it is one of the more accessible national competitions for serious pre-college instrumentalists on any orchestral instrument or piano. The age ceiling of 19 means middle schoolers, high school underclassmen, and seniors all compete.
Entrants must hold NFMC junior membership, usually through a federated private teacher or local junior music club. The deadline is March 1, and the requirements form on the NFMC Junior Division page spells out repertoire and recording rules.
Eligibility
- Instrumentalists under age 19 on March 1
- NFMC Junior Division membership (federated junior club, federated teacher, or individual junior membership)
- Audition submitted per the Stillman Kelley requirements form
- Open to U.S. students in all NFMC regions; five $500 regional awards plus national prizes
How To Apply
- Verify NFMC junior membership with your music teacher or local club
- Download the Stillman Kelley/Thelma Byrum requirements and application form from the NFMC Junior Division awards page
- Prepare and record the required audition repertoire
- Submit the application, fee, and recording by March 1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Stillman Kelley award amounts?
The national prizes are $2,000 for first, $1,000 for second, and $750 for third, plus a $750 Thelma Byrum Award for further study and five $500 regional awards.
Who can enter?
Instrumentalists who are under 19 on March 1 and hold NFMC junior membership. Any standard instrument qualifies, and students typically enter through a federated music teacher.
Is this a live competition?
No national travel is required. Auditions are evaluated from submissions per the requirements form, with regional chairs coordinating judging.