Scholarships
Supporting young musicians
2024 Scholarship Winner Dora Rinella, Vocalist
2024 Mary & Lucian Cassetta Music Scholarship Competition
Congratulations to Dora Rinella, vocalist and winner of the 2024 Cassetta Scholarship Competition!
Interested in the 2025 competition? Sign up here and we’ll contact you when applications open! See eligibility requirements below.
The Mary and Lucian Cassetta Music Scholarship is a $1,000 award given to one talented high school senior pursuing advanced studies at a recognized music school or music camp. Instrumentalists and vocalists are both encouraged to apply.
Established in memory of avid arts supporters, Mary and Lucian Cassetta, the scholarship was established to encourage the development of musical talent in young Alaskans.
The competition is open to high school SENIORS who display talent, dedication to music and a serious commitment to an advanced study program in a recognized music school or music camp. Competition is open to both instrumentalists and vocalists. The selection process includes a live audition and short oral interview with a three-judge panel.
Application Process
Competition applicants must provide the following:
A completed application.
A recommendation from the applicant’s music instructor on the degree of the student’s commitment submitted separately to the scholarship committee via email to aso@youraso.org.
Audition times will be assigned after the application deadline.
Selection Process:
The selection process will include a closed audition and a short oral interview. The competition will be held at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. After the deadline for submitting applications, applicants will be notified regarding audition times.
The audition must include:
At least two (2) contrasting pieces (must be by different composers and must contrast in tempo as well as in style)
Must not exceed 10 minutes
Selections are not limited to classical music repertoire
The applicants should be reminded their selection of instrument and pieces may not be changed after the application deadline. Three judges from the local music community will hear auditions. The interview with the judges will immediately follow the audition.
The Award:
The $1,000 scholarship will be paid directly to a school or appropriate source to cover tuition, musical instruction or other direct musical expenses. In addition to the scholarship, the selected student is invited to perform in a recital hosted by the Anchorage Concert Chorus (typically held in May), which will feature music scholarship winners from other local competitions.