Will Sherwood Scholarships - Worcester Chapter AGO

Worcester AGO is pleased to offer several Will Sherwood Scholarships to provide aid and support to those wishing to study organ with a local teacher. Individual identical awards will be in the amount of $500+ to be applied toward lessons. In 2025 the Worcester Chapter AGO has been endowed with funds from the Barclay Wood Estate. Income from those funds will annually increase the Will Sherwood Scholarship Fund.

A list of past scholarship recipients can be found HERE.

Will Sherwood Scholarship – RULES & PROCEDURES (updated January 2025)

1) There is no scholarship recipient age limit. Scholarship recipients may already be studyingwith a current member of an AGO chapter or the Scholarship Committee can assist the applicant in securing a teacher. Prior study of the piano is helpful, but any interested person is welcome to apply.

2) Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The application form is available below. The chapter will announce the scholarship winners and convey the lesson fees directly to the teacher. The scholarship award is towards the cost of one year and the remaining teacher’s fees will be paid by the scholar. If the scholar withdraws from lessons, the remaining scholarship is forfeited.

3) Scholarship recipients will be awarded membership in Worcester Chapter AGO for the year that their scholarship exists. This includes receipt of the monthly national magazine, The American Organist.

4) The total amount of resources available from the Scholarship Fund will be determined annually by the committee. Application materials needed include the basic application, the teacher recommendation form, and a placement recording. When all materials are uploaded a decision can be made by the Scholarship Committee. Once an award is made, a biography of the new recipient will be required for posting on the Worcester AGO website.

5) The two factors important to the number of years one may receive a scholarship are steady progress and available funds. No less than annually the teacher will be asked to file a simple assessment form to track progress. Cooperative efforts are in place for local chapters to share resources and extend the value of this program.

6) Recipients will be required to perform on the annual Worcester Chapter AGO Scholarship Recital. This will not be required of a student until at least 12 months from having begun lessons.

Applications are received on a rolling basis throughout the year. Please fill out the form below and we will be in touch with you soon with the status of your application. If you have additional questions, you can reach out directly to Randy Steere, Dean.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM (please fill out the form below):

Applicant's Name *

First

Last

Applicant's Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy) *

Address *

Email Address *

Phone *

Current Teacher *

Current Teacher's Email Address *

Why do you want to study the organ? *

Do you have previous piano or organ experience? If so, please list how long and describe. *

Have you studied other instruments or voice? If so, please list and describe. *

Do you have any additional musical experience in school or the community? Please describe. *

What musical pieces are you currently studying/practicing? Please list title and composer. *

Do you have any long-term musical goals or dreams? Please describe. *

If there is any other information which may be relevant to your scholarship application, you may provide it here:

Audio Upload *

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Please upload an audio file that represents your current level of playing on the organ. First time applicants may provide a recording of playing the piano.

Recommendation Upload

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Please upload a letter of recommendation from a current music teacher OR have them send it directly to Johnna Ross at musicbeyondmeasure@gmail.com.

Name