05/09/2026
We're partnering with Piedmont Folk Legacies on the Tony Rice Scholarship! Apply soon!
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MONDAY, MAY 25!
Exciting news for this year's Tony Rice Music Scholarship Award!
Piedmont Folk Legacies, the nonprofit that oversees the Tony Rice Scholarship, the Charlie Poole Festival, and the P.I.C.K. (Piedmont Instrument Classes for Kids) program, is delighted to annouce that, for the 2026 scholarship award, the Rockingham County Arts Council will be matching our annual $1,500 award, for a total award this year to a Rockingham County student in the amount of $3,000.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN - PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY:
About the Scholarship
The 2026 Tony Rice Music Scholarship in the amount of $1,500, plus an additional matching grant of $1,500 from the Rockingham County Arts Council, will be awarded to a Rockingham County, NC resident or native who is planning to major in Music, with a preference in the area of traditional music. The scholarship is named in memory of legendary musician and Rockingham County resident, Tony Rice, who changed the very role of the acoustic guitar in American music. The recipient will be recognized at the Charlie Poole Festival, on the second weekend in the month of June. The festival will take place on the Rockingham Community College campus. The festival celebrates another Rockingham County star - Charlie Poole - famous banjoist and stringband leader in the 1920s who is credited as a foundational influence on the development of modern American popular music.
Scholarship Requirements
1. Applicants must submit a completed Application Form.
2. The applicant must be a Rockingham County, NC resident or native.
3. A copy of a letter of acceptance to a 4 year accredited university, college or community college in any state within the US is acceptable and must be submitted.
4. The applicant must be a music major with a preference in the area of traditional music.
5. The applicant must complete the following two essay questions:
a. Why do you want to apply for this scholarship and what will it mean for you financially?
b. How has music shaped and influenced your life?
6. The applicant must submit a digital music sample of at least one minute.
7. The applicant must have a parent permission form signed in acknowledgement of the requirements and expectation of the scholarship.
8. The applicant must submit all components of the scholarship application by the deadline.
9. Three finalists will be selected for an interview and audition to demonstrate their musical ability.
10. The recipient is expected to attend the Charlie Poole Festival.
11. All components must be submitted to Louise Price by email:
[email protected] by May 25, 2026
Contact Louise Price, Director, at [email protected] for an application, or 336-253-9744 with any questions.
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MONDAY, MAY 25, 2026.
