Explore the Application Process

Who should apply?

  1. Classical instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers (ages 8-18) who have not yet entered college during the academic year 2010-2011.
  2. Applicants must be interested in performing on From the Top, and demonstrate (in order of importance): exceptional musical talent, 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. $10,000 in financial support, which can be applied to instrument purchases and summer music camp travel expenses, tuition and fees.
  3. Participation in From the Top's Arts Leadership Workshop
  4. Creation and implementation of an Arts Leadership project. This project could be an interactive performance at a local school, library, hospital or community center; it could be writing letters to local politicians, writing articles advocating for arts education, or something completely different. 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.

Application Deadlines

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

  • Deadline I: October 1, 2010 (notified by January 1, 2010)*
  • Deadline II: December 1, 2010 (notified by March 1, 2010)
  • Deadline III: February 1, 2011 (notified by May 1, 2011)

*Seniors in high school must apply by the October 1 deadline.

Students are selected on an ongoing basis from November to May, according to our 2010-2011 taping schedule.

You will need a PDF-viewer likeAdobe Acrobat Reader, to download the application.

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 a year, and Young Scholars nominated by From the Top typically account for 3-4 members of each incoming class.