ICMA Scholarship Program
Scholarships for Upcoming Artists pursuing Indian Classical Music
The ICMA Scholarship program provides merit- and need-based financial support to upcoming artists towards a career in Indian classical music. Through the ICMA Scholarship program, we seek to nurture new talent, encourage the preservation of India’s rich cultural heritage, and promote the advancement of the arts into the future.
Indian classical music as an art form has been studied and handed down through generations and over centuries via apprenticeship. Traditionally, disciples lived with their gurus, or teachers, observing and living music day-in and day-out to eventually become highly proficient in the arts and pursue them professionally. While this system has adapted to a modern context, the need for such full and focused study of music remains constant.
Despite their talent and desire to learn, many young aspiring musicians and artists wilt to the reality of needing a full-time, wage-earning job just to make ends meet, leaving them no time to pursue their art. A small amount of financial support might empower them to pursue their true calling and thus preserve the traditions. “Limited resources should not be a hindrance to the creativity of the deserving,” says Mahesh Kale, Hindustani music vocalist and founder of ICMA Foundation, “and ICMA Foundation is privileged to play its part and help such students achieve their dreams, while preserving classical music for future generations.”
We accept applications around the year. The program is open to applicants between the ages of 18 and 25, with a minimum of five years of prior training, who demonstrate excellence in their art and are pursuing a professional career in Indian classical music or dance. Applications will be prioritized based on both merit and financial need. ICMA Scholars will receive an annual stipend for a period of one to six years, based on annual assessment for eligibility.
Indian classical music as an art form has been studied and handed down through generations and over centuries via apprenticeship. Traditionally, disciples lived with their gurus, or teachers, observing and living music day-in and day-out to eventually become highly proficient in the arts and pursue them professionally. While this system has adapted to a modern context, the need for such full and focused study of music remains constant.
Despite their talent and desire to learn, many young aspiring musicians and artists wilt to the reality of needing a full-time, wage-earning job just to make ends meet, leaving them no time to pursue their art. A small amount of financial support might empower them to pursue their true calling and thus preserve the traditions. “Limited resources should not be a hindrance to the creativity of the deserving,” says Mahesh Kale, Hindustani music vocalist and founder of ICMA Foundation, “and ICMA Foundation is privileged to play its part and help such students achieve their dreams, while preserving classical music for future generations.”
We accept applications around the year. The program is open to applicants between the ages of 18 and 25, with a minimum of five years of prior training, who demonstrate excellence in their art and are pursuing a professional career in Indian classical music or dance. Applications will be prioritized based on both merit and financial need. ICMA Scholars will receive an annual stipend for a period of one to six years, based on annual assessment for eligibility.
Program Details
ICMA Scholarship program awards scholarships to pursue education in Indian classical music or dance.
What are the eligibility criteria for the scholarship?
What is the scholarship?
What is it NOT?
What is the application process?
Other Requirements:
What are the eligibility criteria for the scholarship?
- Sincere and purposeful pursuit of classical music or art education towards a career in music or art (not for hobbyists)
- Age Limit: 18 – 25 years of age (after 12th std. but before a full time career)
- Must be learning from a guru who is willing to recommend and continue to guide (no self-learners)
- Must have minimum 5 years of prior training in the music/art form at the time of application (not for complete beginners)
- Must demonstrate continued effort and excellence (as judged by ICMA)
- Must submit quarterly progress report (audio/video) to maintain eligibility – funding is contingent on meeting quarterly deadlines
- Financial Need: ICMA Scholars will be prioritized based on merit and financial need. All applicants will be required to provide their family (household) income.
What is the scholarship?
- Each selected student can receive up to USD 1000 (paid in local currency) per year paid on a quarterly basis, if eligibility criteria are met.
- Eligibility for continued scholarship will be assessed every year.
What is it NOT?
- NOT limited by music or performing art form, within the realm of classical music and dance
- NOT limited by country or region of origin
- NOT limited by association with specific schools
- Should have NO relationship or association with ICMA or the ICMA Scholarship Selection Committee
What is the application process?
- All applications are online ONLY (ICMA website) – no paper or verbal applications will be accepted.
- Applicant will be required to provide the following:
- Short bio (English or Hindi)
- A recent video clip (within the last 3 months) of the student
- A letter of recommendation from their guru
- A statement of how they intend to use the scholarship assistance
- Signed waiver/legal notice
- Follow-up telephone/video interviews might be requested
Other Requirements:
- ICMA will own rights to all audio/video materials submitted and can use these for the purposes of advancing the scholarship program further
Call for Applications!
We are pleased to invite applications from dedicated and talented classical musicians and dancers to become ICMA Scholars. At ICMA, our mission is to preserve, nurture, and celebrate Indian classical music and art. "ICMA Scholars" are supported financially in addition to being mentored by experts to achieve their goals in the pursuit of their chosen art. It is a program designed to support deserving students wishing to pursue classical music or dance as their career. There are no restrictions on the type of classical music or dance form you wish to pursue as long as you have the blessings of a Guru.
If you have the talent, the drive, and a burning desire to work hard towards your dream, you are the ideal candidate to be selected in the small elite group of ICMA Scholars!
We accept applications year round. Click here to apply
If you have the talent, the drive, and a burning desire to work hard towards your dream, you are the ideal candidate to be selected in the small elite group of ICMA Scholars!
We accept applications year round. Click here to apply