Full B.M./M.M. Tuition Scholarship
Radda Rise and East Tennessee State University Partnership
The Radda Rise International Piano Competition, in partnership with East Tennessee State University (ETSU), presents a remarkable opportunity for aspiring pianists: a full tuition scholarship for either a Bachelor of Music (BM) or Master of Music (MM) degree. This prestigious scholarship is open to both national and international students who meet ETSU's admission requirements and participate in the Radda Rise International Piano Competition. The selected recipient will have the honor of studying under the guidance of Dr. Éva Polgár. The scholarship covers full in-state tuition for the duration of the degree program, with the potential for additional funds to cover housing and living expenses. Applicants must navigate a comprehensive application and selection process, which includes submitting a competition video, a second round of auditions, and an interview with Dr. Polgár. This opportunity is not just a financial incentive but a gateway to professional growth and thriving career in music.
Scholarship Details
Eligibility:
Open to candidates for either a Bachelor of Music (BM) or Master of Music (MM) degree.
Participation in the Radda Rise International Piano Competition is required.
Both national and international students are eligible.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of East Tennessee State University.
Selected scholarship recipient will study in the studio of Dr. Éva Polgár.
Scholarship Coverage:
Full tuition covered for the entire duration of the degree program, referring to in-state tuition rates. All accepted students receive in-state tuition rates.
Additional Scholarship Opportunity: Based on jurors' discretion, additional scholarship prizes may be awarded to cover housing and living expenses.
Application and Selection Process:
Submit an application for the Radda Rise International Piano Competition, expressing interest in the scholarship on the form.
Competition videos will serve as audition materials for ETSU; no additional materials required.
Selected candidates will undergo a second round of auditions with Dr. Éva Polgár, including an interview and 2-3 trial lessons, either virtually or in-person. These candidates will be selected by the entire competition jury panel.
The final decision will be based on competition performance, trial lessons, and the interview with Dr. Polgár.
Important Dates:
Notice of acceptance into second round of auditions: Early March 2024
Trial lessons to be completed within two months of acceptance into the second round.
Acceptance or rejection notices will be sent out within 2 weeks after the trial lessons and interview period. - Mid-May 2024
Commitment to the program required within a month of acceptance, including withdrawing applications to other universities - Mid-June 2024
Submit application for ETSU: Application due by July 31, 2024
Additional Requirements:
Scholarship recipients agree not to apply to any other universities or to withdraw active applications once they accept the scholarship offer.
Contact Information:
Competition inquiries: Director Michelle Schodowski, michelle@raddaconnect.com
University application questions: Dr. Éva Polgár, polgar@etsu.edu
Ready to rise with Radda and ETSU?
Scholarship FAQS
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Yes, subject to maintaining satisfactory academic progress throughout the duration of the degree program.
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The scholarship is for new admissions only.
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Yes.
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Yes.
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The scholarship covers full in-state tuition for the entire duration of the degree program. There is potential for additional funds for housing and living expenses based on the jurors’ discretion.
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No, participation in the competition is also the audition for ETSU. The trial lessons and interview can take place in-person or virtually.
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It includes an interview and 2-3 trial lessons with Éva, which can be conducted virtually or in-person.
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Candidates need to decide within 1 month of receiving their acceptance notice in mid-June 2024.
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Yes, accepting the scholarship requires committing to East Tennessee State University and withdrawing applications to other universities.
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No, all eligible applicants who express interest on their application will be considered for the scholarship regardless of whether or not they are awarded a prize.
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The scholarship is specifically for East Tennessee State University and is not transferable.
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Deferral policies are subject to the university's discretion.
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International students should consider health insurance, immunization requirements, and English language tests, in addition to housing and meal costs.
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On-campus university housing is based on a first-come, first-served basis. Early applications for on-campus housing are encouraged.
First-year students are not required to live on-campus.
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Yes, recipients of our scholarship are eligible to apply for additional scholarships, including the President’s Scholarship and Provost Scholarship.
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No, the due date for test scores and additional documentation are due Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, but it’s recommended that these are submitted earlier.
The deadline to apply for admission for each semester is by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time the Friday of the first week of classes. All required documents (official transcripts, etc.) are due the next business day by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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For any questions regarding the competition, contact the competition director, Michelle Scodowski, at michelle@raddaconnect.
For questions regarding the scholarship or ETSU, contact Dr. Éva Polgár, at polgar@etsu.edu.
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ETSU’s M.M. degree program for piano will be launching its first year in Fall 2024. For more details regarding the program, please contact Dr. Éva Polgár at polgar@etsu.edu.