Scholarship Opportunity

The Music Center’s Spotlight Scholarship Program

Offered by The Music Center

Free performing-arts competition and artistic-development program for Southern California high-school students with cash awards and audition feedback.

EssayNot required
RenewableNo
Grade LevelHigh School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, High School Senior

Application Timeline

Important application dates

This scholarship offers more than one application cycle. Review each window carefully before applying.

2027 Spotlight — extended final

OpensTo Be Announced
DeadlineOctober 16, 2026

Eligibility

  • Public, private, online or home-school high-school student based in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino or Imperial County. Ballet/dance residency exceptions may apply.
  • Enrolled in high school as of December 31, 2026; not a full-time college student. All skill levels may apply.
  • Previous Grand Prize Finalists cannot re-enter; other previous participants/awardees may be eligible.

Requirements

  • Submit online application and category-required audition material by extended October 16, 2026 deadline, replacing October 12. Follow current repertoire, recording and format rules.
  • Categories: acting, ballet, dance, classical voice, non-classical voice, classical instrumental and contemporary instrumental. May enter multiple categories but reach finals in only one.
  • Initial video recorded November 2025–October 2026. Certain previous-year Semifinalists/Honorable Mention awardees bypass the initial video round; confirm instructions. Later rounds are live auditions.
  • Grand Prize Finalists must attend May 21, 2027 rehearsal and all-day May 22 rehearsal/show plus required finale activities, or lose Grand Prize eligibility.
  • Free to apply; the annual pool is not an individual award. No automatic repeat funding.

How to Apply

  1. 1Use the official Spotlight Application link and review category eligibility/video rules.
  2. 2Submit by October 16, 2026; follow live-audition instructions if advancing and reserve required May 21–22 finale dates if selected.