ACDA Scholarships are awards and prizes funded by the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) for choral students, conductors, and educators at various career stages. ACDA is one of the largest professional organizations for choral directors in the world, with chapters across all 50 US states. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and include both national and state-level opportunities.
How ACDA Scholarships Work
ACDA sponsors several national awards and competitions throughout the year. Announcements are published in the Choral Journal and on ChoralNet. The main national awards are:
- Julius Herford Dissertation Prize: Recognizes the top doctoral dissertation in choral music. The submission period for degrees conferred in 2025 opens in spring 2026.
- Robert Shaw Choral Award: Honors an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to the choral art. The 2025 nomination period is closed.
- ACDA Student Chapter Award: Recognizes outstanding ACDA student chapters. The 2025 application period is closed.
- Steven M. Demorest Award for Choral Research: Awarded to the highest-scoring poster proposal at the national conference.
- Past President's Award and Wall of Honor: Recognize lifetime achievement and contributions to the choral profession.
State-Level Scholarships
Individual state chapters administer their own scholarship programs with separate funding and deadlines. For example:
- ACDA Minnesota offers a Graduate Study Scholarship for choral conductors pursuing an advanced degree in choral conducting or vocal music education, plus scholarships for high school students attending the NextDirection Student Choral Leadership Conference.
- Oklahoma ACDA (OkCDA) offers both undergraduate and graduate scholarships for students active in choral music in Oklahoma.
State-level scholarships typically require ACDA membership and state residency. Check your local chapter's website for specific deadlines and amounts.
Real-World Example
A graduate student completing a DMA in choral conducting in 2025 could submit their dissertation for the Julius Herford Dissertation Prize when the submission window opens in spring 2026. Winning the Herford Prize adds significant recognition to an academic resume and can open doors to university faculty positions. The award is announced nationally through ACDA publications.
At the state level, a Minnesota choral conductor pursuing a master's degree who has completed at least two years of choral teaching in the state could apply for the ACDA MN Graduate Study Scholarship. The scholarship supports part-time or full-time graduate study, reducing the financial burden of continuing education.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you are a choral conductor, music educator, or choral composer, ACDA membership is one of the most cost-effective investments you can make. Student membership is affordable, and it grants access to both national awards and state-level scholarships that non-members cannot access.
For undergraduate and graduate students, the state-level scholarships are where the money is. National awards like the Herford Prize are prestigious but competitive. State chapters often have fewer applicants, which increases your odds. Join your state ACDA chapter, attend the annual conference, and network with the board members who serve on scholarship committees.
For working conductors, the Robert Shaw Award and Past President's Award recognize career achievement. You cannot apply for these directly; they require nomination by a peer. Build your professional network within ACDA to ensure your work gets noticed.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies by award. Each program has distinct requirements.
- Julius Herford Dissertation Prize: Open to doctoral recipients whose degrees were conferred during the calendar year prior to nomination. The dissertation must be the principal research component of a doctoral degree in choral music. Nominations are submitted by faculty or committee chairs, not by the dissertator directly.
- Robert Shaw Choral Award: The recipient should be an ACDA member (with occasional exceptions). The recipient's primary career should be in the United States. The recipient must have made significant contributions to the choral art through teaching, conducting, or leadership. Selection is made by the ACDA Past Presidents Advisory Council. No self-nomination.
- ACDA Student Chapter Award: Open to active ACDA student chapters at accredited institutions. Chapters must demonstrate outstanding activity and engagement.
- Steven M. Demorest Award for Choral Research: Open to researchers submitting poster proposals for the national conference. Evaluated through blind review.
- State-level scholarships: Typically require ACDA membership and state residency. Most state chapters require enrollment in a choral music degree program or active teaching in the state. Check your local chapter for specific requirements.
Deadlines and Application Timeline
- Julius Herford Dissertation Prize: Nominations typically due July 1. The 2024 prize covered degrees conferred in 2024. The 2025 submission period opens in spring 2026.
- Robert Shaw Choral Award: Nominated biennially. The 2025 nomination period is closed. The next cycle will be for the 2027 national conference.
- ACDA Student Chapter Award: Application period varies by year. The 2025 cycle is closed.
- Steven M. Demorest Award: Poster proposals due before the national conference. The 2027 conference takes place in Minneapolis.
- State-level scholarships: Deadlines vary by chapter. Minnesota ACDA typically opens applications in early spring. Oklahoma ACDA deadlines fall in the spring semester.
Past Recipients
Robert Shaw Choral Award
| Year | Recipient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Dr. Charlene Archibeque | San Jose State University, first woman to earn DMA in Choral Conducting |
| 2023 | Donald Neuen | Presented at Cincinnati national conference |
| 2021 | Rodney Eichenberger | Biennial award |
| 2019 | Doreen Rao | |
| 2017 | Andre Thomas | Florida State University, past national ACDA president |
Julius Herford Dissertation Prize
| Year | Recipient | Institution | Dissertation Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dr. James Higgs | University of Arizona | "Terza Messa by Marianna Martines: Significance, Style, and Critical Edition" |
| 2023 | Dr. Andrew Major | Northwestern University | "Unsettlement Music: Documentation and Inquiry in the Unaccompanied Choral Works of Ted Hearne" |
| 2022 | Dr. Joseph John Taff | University of Cincinnati | "The Masses of Marianna von Martines: An Analysis and Appraisal" |
| 2021 | Dr. Katie Gardiner | Indiana University | "A Conductor's Guide to the Music of Hildegard von Bingen" |
| 2020 | Dr. A.J. Keller | Northwestern University | "Poor in Material, Non-Dramatic, Without Pathos: Elements of the Danish New Simplicity" |
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Join ACDA: Purchase a membership through acda.org. Student memberships start at under $50 per year. State chapter membership is included with national dues.
- Identify the right award: Review the awards page at acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions. Match your career stage and qualifications to the appropriate award.
- Gather materials: For the Herford Prize, collect the dissertation PDF and nomination letter from your faculty. For state scholarships, prepare your resume, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
- Submit by the deadline: Upload materials through the ACDA website or your state chapter portal. Late submissions are not accepted.
- Await notification: National awards are announced through the Choral Journal and ChoralNet. State awards are announced by each chapter.
- Accept the award: Herford Prize winners receive $1,000 and a commemorative plaque presented at the national conference. State scholarship recipients may need to submit proof of enrollment.
Program Videos
Similar Scholarships
- AGO Scholarships - Organ and church music awards ranging from $10,000 to $34,000
- NAfME Scholarships - Music education support from the National Association for Music Education
- MTNA Scholarships - Music Teachers National Association awards for performance and pedagogy
- ASCAP Foundation Scholarships - Composer and songwriter awards
Related Opportunities
- AGO Scholarships for organ and church music students
- ASCAP Foundation Scholarships for composers and songwriters
- Music Scholarships Directory for the full list of funding opportunities
- Music Awards Directory for performance and composition prizes
- Visit the ACDA Awards and Competitions page for official details and deadlines
