LSO McPherson String Scholarship Guidelines 2026
The LSO McPherson String Scholarship was created in 1998 by Dr. and Mrs. Richard C. McPherson in honor of their children, Gregg A. McPherson and Kimberly McPherson, to encourage and stimulate interest in string-playing proficiency.
Requirements:
1. Applicants for yearly scholarships must be permanent residents of one of the following counties: Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Howard, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Pulaski, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Warren, and White.
2. Applicants must be a string instrument player (defined as violin, viola, cello, and bass) who:
a. Is enrolled in grades 7 through 12 (public, private, or homeschool), which includes the summer following 12th grade.
b. Participates in private lessons or a community or school ensemble.
c. Has not received a McPherson Scholarship in the past 2 years.
3. String instrument scholarship funds must be used for private lessons or for string instrument music camps.
Program Application Process
- Students* must submit an application form and an essay of 100-300 words describing how the scholarship will support their musical pursuits. Once the application has been completed, students will be provided with a link to share with their teacher to complete the Teacher Recommendation Form.
- Completed application materials must be received by the Lafayette Symphony office by May 1, 2026. Applications received after May 1 will not be reviewed.
- Up to 14 scholarships of $300 each will be awarded.
- Notification of scholarship awards will be sent by May 15, 2026.
- Scholarship checks will be issued directly to the private teacher or to the summer music camp of the recipient’s choice.
*Application materials for a string instrument scholarship can be submitted by a private string instrument teacher or a school orchestra leader on behalf of the student.