How to Craft Your Essay for the Tonsfeldt Classical Music Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your musical journey. What experiences shaped your interest in classical music? Consider early influences, training, or pivotal moments that led you to pursue this path.
• Achievements: Document your accomplishments in music. This could include performances, competitions, or any leadership roles in music-related organizations. Be specific about your contributions and the impact they had.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that this scholarship could help address. This could be financial support for education or resources to further your musical development. Clarify how the scholarship aligns with your future aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal who you are beyond your musical achievements. What values drive you? What unique perspectives do you bring to the classical music community?

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, outline your essay to ensure a logical flow. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in. Then, structure your essay around the four buckets:

1. Introduction: Open with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your passion for classical music.
2. Background: Share your journey and formative experiences in music.
3. Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Discuss what you hope to gain from this scholarship and how it fits into your future.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to classical music and the impact you aspire to make.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead, use concrete examples and metrics where possible. For instance, rather than saying you are passionate about music, describe a particular performance that moved you or a challenge you overcame in your studies.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise with a critical eye. Ask yourself: What changed in me through these experiences, and why does it matter? Ensure each section of your essay answers this question, providing the committee with insight into your character and aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When writing your essay, steer clear of the following:

• Cliché openers that do not engage the reader.
• Vague statements about your passion for music without evidence.
• Passive voice and overly complex language that obscures your message.
• Inventing experiences or embellishing facts—authenticity is key.