How to Apply for a Student Scholarship

Accordion Widget - example

How to Apply

• Read our 2026 Instructions and Expectations.
• Review the required pieces needed for your audition. You must also prepare a second optional piece of your choosing.
  • 2026 Junior Required Repertoire
  • 2026 Senior Required Repertoire
  • 2026 Vocalists Required Repertoire
• Perform all pieces from memory.
• Provide your own accompanist for the auditions.
• If you don't see your instrument on the list of required pieces and would like to audition, please email [email protected]. 

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Junior Applications

Junior audition applicants must be between 10 and 13 years of age at the time of the audition. Junior vocalists must be between 14 and 17 years of age at the time of the audition.
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Application deadline for Juniors is February 8, 2026.

Auditions will take place on March 7, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael, 1510 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901. 

Please see our Calendar page for other important dates.
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Senior Applications

Senior audition applicants must be between 14 and 18 years of age at the time of the audition. Senior vocalists must be between 18 and 22 years of age at the time of the audition.
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Application deadline for Seniors is February 22, 2026.

Auditions will take place on March 21, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael, 1510 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901. 
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Please see our Calendar page for other important dates.
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Additional Awards and Recognition

Alma Tomlinson Award

The Marin Music Chest Board of Directors annually presents an award honoring the long service of Alma Tomlinson to Marin Music Chest. For over thirty years Alma advocated for high performance standards. The Board gives this additional $500 award to the student selected unanimously by the Artistic Committee as the most outstanding performer at the senior auditions. 

Robert Greenwood Award

This award was established in 2018 by the Marin Music Chest, honors long-time colleague and former president Bob Greenwood, who shared his passion for music and commitment to young musicians by dedicating himself in many ways to the organization. His goal was, always, to keep classical music alive in Marin County and to continue the tradition of excellent performance established from Music Chest’s inception. 

Young Artist Award

Five musicians are selected from each year’s scholarship winners to perform at a special concert called the Young Artists Concert, which is sponsored by the Mill Valley Chamber Music Society.  These YA performers are selected by the judges as being the best of all the scholarship winners of that season. Consideration is also given to presenting a good, balanced program, as instrumentation is an important factor. The five performers are paid an honorarium, often their first earnings for a music performance.