Music scholarships sit unused with only 2 student attempts

Scholarships that would provide Utah children with one-on-one music education in whatever music program they wanted will sit unawarded this year.

The fact that only two students applied for the six scholarships has Frederic Cook, director of the Park City Arts and Music Conservatory, scratching his head.

"Music makes you smarter — it's a mastery of attention, and that is crucial in life," said Cook, who has a doctorate in educational studies.

Cook moved to Park City in 1997 and started the conservatory in hopes of getting more people in the community involved in the arts.

And after learning of the positive effects music education has on children, he wanted to do what he could to offer music lessons and programs to those who might not otherwise have the means.

He said research shows that students who are involved in music programs do better in school and develop better problem-solving and analytical skills as well as discipline.

The problem is that not all schools have the resources to offer solid music programs. And seldom do schools offer programs that can provide valuable one-on-one attention.

He said it is also crucial for students to be introduced to a music discipline before fifth grade because it is more difficult to pick up later on in life.

So a few years ago Cook started taking matters into his own hands, scraping money together to offer scholarships in hopes of encouraging students to get involved in music learning.

At first he offered full scholarships, but students were missing lessons because they had no investment. So instead he opted to offer 50 percent of a year's tuition in a music program. And not just for programs that he offers, but for lessons from any program or professional they choose.

So the scholarship would pay half the cost of lessons in any music program in the state.

The awards were available to any elementary-through-high school student in the state, and the application process included a short essay and a brief audition.

Cook sent the word out earlier this summer but still ended up with only two applicants. The deadline for applications passed this week.

Cook said one problem is that some families just don't understand the importance of music in a child's education. And though he sent out e-mails and fliers, perhaps not enough people were aware.

Late applications aren't being considered, but he said the scholarship money will be available for students next year, when he hopes to have more interest. For more information on the program or next year's scholarships, contact the conservatory in Park City at 435-649-6292.

---

E-mail: terickson@desnews.com