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Pogorzelski-Yankee Memorial Scholarships

American Guild of Organists

Pogorzelski-Yankee Memorial Scholarships is provided to undergraduate and graduate students who exhibit talent and achievements in the field of organ playing. The scholarship gives two awards yearly. The undergraduate scholar will receive a $7,500 fund and the graduate student will get a $15,000 fund to support their education with the commitment of teaching, performing or other serious endeavors with respect to the organ.

Key Information

Eligibility Requirements

  • Age/Grade Level:
    Students must plan to be an entering college freshman or an entering first-year graduate student.
  • Financial Need:
    Required
  • Other Academic Requirements:
    The applicants must attend their institution as full-time students.
  • College:
    Students must attend, or plan to attend, a nationally or regionally accredited post-secondary institution (college, university, or conservatory).
  • Extracurricular:
    Applicants are expected to have existing talent and achievements in the field of organ playing.

Application Details

  • Transcript:
    Required
  • Resume/Activity List:
    Not required
  • Essay:
    Applicants must compose and submit two (up to 750 words) essays.One essay will be required from both freshman and graduate students : Why do you need this scholarship? Please explain the degree of your financial need. Outline any extenuating circumstances.The second essay question for freshmen : Describe your passion for the organ and its literature.The second essay question for first year graduate students: How will obtaining a graduate degree in organ study be of value to you in your career?
  • Recommendation Letters:
    Students must provide two (2) letters of recommendation:One (1) from their most recent organ instructor, andOne (1) from another music or education professional.
  • Portfolio/Work Samples:
    Students must have the ability to showcase their talent on the organ through three (3) unedited contiguous performances.- The total time of the three recordings combined may not exceed 30 minutes for undergraduate students (those seeking bachelors degrees).- The total time of the three recordings combined may not exceed 45 minutes for graduate students (those seeking masters degrees).- You must include one composition by J.S. Bach (for a trio sonata, your Bach submission should be two sonata movements either I & II or II & III) and two contrasting works composed after 1800 (these can be single, stand-alone works, or movements from a multi-movement work). Applications will be strengthened when the choice of compositions allow the player to exhibit musical and technical achievement.- A choice of three hymns will given from you will select one to perform for the audition. The performance of this hymn is not to be counted as a part of the 45 minute/30 minute time limit. An introduction, and a full rendering should be included, as if you were leading your congregation in singing the entire hymn.- If multiple organs are used, applicants must list the type and instrument specification for each organ.
  • Other Materials:
    Students must provide information about family income, estimated family contribution towards college, and tuition rates from which the committee can ascertain financial need. The applicant will be required to submit a copy of their admissions letter.

Contact Information