DMMA supports young people of color who exhibit exceptional musical talent. The organization annually awards scholarships to aspiring young musicians. Recipients have attended Juilliard, Yale, SMU, and other major universities.
It was in 1919 — 100 years ago — that a young, unknown classical singer won the first scholarship from the National Association of Negro Musicians, founded that same year. Marian Anderson went on to become one of the 20th century's most celebrated concert contraltos. She died in 1993 at age 96.
Now young musical hopefuls from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and throughout the Southwest can compete in association's centennial year for the same scholarship that Anderson won. The Marian Anderson Vocal Arts Competition will begin at the local level before advancing to regional and national rounds. Required repertoire includes works of American and European classical tradition and highlights the works of African-American composers.
Applications, including a $50 fee, are due Friday, January 26, 2024. Visit NANM.org to apply.
The Dallas Metroplex Musicians' Association promotes this area. To find a branch near you, contact local/regional chair Barron Coleman at DMMA.NANM@GMail.com or 682-587-9646.
Select Recipients
Roderick C. Demmings Jr. studied at the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University, majoring in organ and English. A native of Dallas, Roderick graduated from the St. Mark's School of Texas. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Fair Park Music Hall, and the Verizon Center in Philadelphia.
Pianist Leonard Hayes graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin and is now pursuing a Master of Music degree at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
Violinist Richmond Punch was among the first of DMMA's scholarship recipients. Tutored in the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Young Strings program, Richmond went on to graduate from Juilliard and Yale. He is now the founder and owner of Richmond Punch Productions in Dallas.
Complete List of Recipients
Scholarship recipients have been Jamil Byrom, Chelsi Clark, Roderick Demmings, Francois Dewberry, Joshua Epperson, Ramona Estell, Andre Gustus, Leonard Hayes, Venetia Hodge, Georgianna Howard, Artina Hunter, Andre Johnson, Takisha Kizard, Michelle Magee, Faith Manning, Byron Martin, Stamos Martin, Henry McDowell, Eran McGowan, J'Nore Nance, Lauren Punch, Richmond Punch, Alfrelynn Roberts, Tiffany Robinson, Najeeb Saboor, Kalva Sue Scott, Ivy Simpson, Kyle Wiggins, Lauren Wiggins, Ambreal Williams, Eugene Young IV.
How to Apply
Scholarships go to aspiring music majors from the Dallas Metroplex and are for college undergraduate and graduate study. Scholarship applications are accepted throughout the year in the form of a letter. The letter should explain the student's accomplishments in addition to his or her educational and career goals. Application letters should be sent to the address on the Contact page.
If you have a questions about scholarships, please send us a message via the Contact page.