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 application 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 pursuing either a Bachelor of Music (BM) or Master of Music (MM) degree starting Fall 2026.
Participation in the Radda Rise International Piano Competition is required.
National, international, and transfer 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.
Application fee for ETSU will be waived.
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.
Candidates will undergo an interview with Dr. Éva Polgár, either virtually or in-person.
The final decision will be based on competition performances, the written essay on the Radda Rise application, and the interview with Dr. Polgár.
Commitment to the program is required within 30 days of acceptance, including withdrawing applications to other universities.
Additional Requirements:
Scholarship recipients agree to decline or withdraw any existing university applications and refrain from applying to other universities after accepting the scholarship offer.
Contact Information:
Competition inquiries: Director Michelle Schodowski, michelle@raddaconnect.com
University application questions: Dr. Éva Polgár, polgar@etsu.edu
Scholarship FAQS
-
Yes, subject to maintaining satisfactory academic progress throughout the duration of the degree program.
-
The scholarship is for new admissions only.
-
Yes.
-
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.
-
No, participation in the competition is also the audition for ETSU. The interview with Dr. Polgár can take place in-person or virtually.
-
The scholarship recipient needs to decide within 30 days of receiving their acceptance notice.
-
Yes, accepting the scholarship requires committing to East Tennessee State University and withdrawing applications to other universities.
-
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.
-
The scholarship is specifically for East Tennessee State University and is not transferable.
-
International students should consider health insurance, immunization requirements, and English language tests, in addition to housing and meal costs.
-
Yes, recipients of our scholarship are eligible to apply for additional scholarships, including the President’s Scholarship and Provost Scholarship.
-
More details can be found below:
-
Yes, anyone is welcome to apply to ETSU through the regular application process.
-
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.