SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS FAQ
How are scholarship and grant applications evaluated?
Scholarship applications are reviewed by We Are Moving The Needle’s scholarship committee which is comprised of leaders across the industry (from both the creative and business side) and mentors. Applications are evaluated using a qualitative and quantitative rubric that assess candidates’ preparation for success in their particular program, their articulation of career goals and commitment to production and engineering, and how this scholarship will meaningfully impact their stated goals.
Do you have tips or recommendations on how to strengthen my application?
Successful applications vary program to program depending on the scholarship or grant call in question, however the following considerations might be considered to strengthen your overall application package:
Thorough and thoughtful written responses. Successful candidates make the fullest use of the suggested word counts, provide clear and compelling answers, and demonstrate an overall thoughtfulness to the written components of the application as well as the portfolio and supplemental materials.
Clear articulation of goals that include growing skills and leadership behind the board. We Are Moving The Needle drives equity for producers, engineers, and those working in technical roles in the recording industry. Many successful alumni are multi-faceted creators and also work as songwriters and artists, but they maintain a commitment to learning, growing, and leading behind the board as well as in front.
Clear understanding of the scholarship or grant program and why you believe it will help you further your goals. Successful candidates have clearly read and researched the scholarship or grant details in full and are able to share a clear understanding of why this particular scholarship is important to this phase of their creative journey. For masterclasses or specific scholarship partnerships (i.e. LAAMP or Mix With The Masters), strong applicants have clearly taken time to get to know the program, the participants (teachers, mentors, masters, etc.), and have placed this experience within their growth journey. For MicroGrants or open scholarship opportunities, strong candidates demonstrate a clear need for funding and how this will meaningfully shape their journey within the context of their given program or goals.
A comprehensive portfolio that clearly highlights skills behind the board. Applicants are always evaluated in accordance with the skills required for the relevant program: for an engineering masterclass, successful candidates have clear strengths and skills required as an engineer at the appropriate level for that course, for a songwriting camp they must have acumen as a songwriter, etc. Entry-level programs are tiered towards entry-level applicants. A strong portfolio tells the candidate’s story as a creator: highlighting strengths, goals, and even areas of growth as they align with the program in question.
What should I include in my portfolio?
Successful applicants will provide a range of work samples demonstrating their experience and commitment to the technical side of music. School projects, independent work, and professional work are all acceptable. We recommend applicants provide a variety of work examples demonstrating their technical skills and experience, particularly projects they have produced or engineered, either for themselves or others. Acceptable work samples can include demo tracks, sound designs, original compositions, etc. School projects, independent work, and professional work are all acceptable.
Acceptable formats include:
Spotify, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, etc.
Website (must have audio samples)
Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.
Applicants are required to disclose the use of generative AI in their work samples, and, if used, provide a brief explanation on the use of this tool (i.e. how it was used, why this was used artistically, etc.). Applicants with work samples that make use of generative AI are highly encouraged to include secondary work samples without the use of AI as well. Please ensure all projects in your portfolio are clearly labeled to distinguish from one another.
Who should I request a letter of recommendation from?
Applicants should submit letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your skills, work ethic, and potential for success. These letters can be provided from teachers, employers, mentors, or advocates, as long as they know you well.
Are scholarships and MICROGRANTS tax deductible?
As outlined below, We Are Moving The Needle College Scholarships are intended to support direct educational expenses including:
Tuition and fees associated with degree or course enrollment;
Course-related expenses including books, supplies, and equipment that are required by their department, program, or faculty for coursework. Please note: Per IRS guidelines, qualifying equipment and supplies must be clearly required for all students enrolled in the program or course.
Scholarships are awarded directly to students for the purposes outlined and as such may not be considered taxable income, however, students should review IRS guidelines on receiving scholarships for final determinations on income reporting requirements for their particular financial status.
We Are Moving The Needle MicroGrants are subject to income taxes, and awardees granted over $600.00 will receive a 1099 income form by the end of the tax year.