Explore the Application Process

FALL 2011 DEADLINE EXTENSION - High school seniors may apply until November 1st!

For a more comprehensive list of FAQs, please see the "Program Overview" pages at the beginning of the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award Application. 

Who should apply?

  1. Classical instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers (ages 8-18) who have not yet entered college during the academic year 2011-2012.
  2. Applicants must be interested in performing on From the Top, and demonstrate (in order of importance): exceptional musical achievement, unmet financial need, and solid academic achievement.

Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award Scholarship Benefits

  1. National exposure through an appearance on From the Top’s radio or television broadcasts.
  2. Up to $10,000 in financial support, which can be applied to instrument purchase, summer music camp expenses, and other musical expenses.
  3. Participation in From the Top's Arts Leadership Orientation.
  4. Creation and implementation of an Arts Leadership project. Young Artist Award recipients will be responsible for creating and implementing their projects, but will receive support along the way to ensure successful completion and documentation. Learn more about From the Top's Arts Leadership program.

Application Deadlines

By popular demand, our fall deadline has been EXTENDED to November 1st for all high school seniors ONLY. All other students may apply for the December and February deadlines.

Applications are now being accepted on a rolling admission basis with the following postmark deadlines:

  • Deadline I:  November 1, 2011 (notified by January 1, 2012)*
  • Deadline II: December 1, 2011 (notified by March 1, 2012)
  • Deadline III: February 1, 2012 (notified by May 1, 2012)

*Seniors in high school MUST apply by the November 1 deadline. All other applicants may apply for any of the three deadlines.

Students are selected on an ongoing basis from November to June, according to our 2011-2012 taping schedule.

You will need a PDF-viewer like Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the application. It is FREE to apply.

Additional Opportunities

Each year, From the Top nominates up to five middle school students for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Young Scholars Program. This unique program provides substantial financial support and advising to students throughout high school and often into college and graduate school. Nationally, only 50 to 75 students are accepted into this program each year, and Young Scholars nominated by From the Top typically account for three members of each incoming class.