It’s never been a big secret that any career in the arts is an expensive undertaking. If you aren’t sure how expensive, take a gander at Zach Finkelstein’s latest blog post.
The effort to fund your music-making will be ongoing as long as you pursue it, and the sooner you learn to fund-raise, the better off you’ll be. Three of the most obvious fundraising opportunities for young artists are scholarships, work-studies, and internships that offer some training and/or performance opportunities (paid or unpaid).
Scholarships, work-studies, and internship applications frequently require a personal statement or letter of interest (so do many jobs). It’s not easy to ask for money or a position or to toot your own horn, but there are more and less successful ways to go about it. Here are some tips to help you write your best letter of interest ever!
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Avoid addressing a letter “to whom it may concern” if there is any other alternative. With a few minutes of research, you can often discover the name and title of the person or people to whom the letter should be addressed.
First, check the scholarship materials or the institution’s website. Often there will be an email address where your application can be sent, but there may not be specific instructions for how to address the letter. You may have to pick up the phone and call the organization. Be straightforward. Say, “I’d like to apply for the scholarship. To whom can I address my letter of interest?”
You may be told to simply address your letter to the Scholarship Committee; if that’s the case, then it’s fine to do that. Always follow the directions the company gives you. If the person you’re speaking to isn’t sure who it should be addressed to, ask who reviews the applications and address it to that person. If all else fails, address it to the Artistic Director or General Director of the institution—whoever happens to be the head honcho.
FLATTERY DOESN’T HAVE TO FALL FLAT
Flattery can feel pretty lame, whether you’re offering or receiving it. That’s because it is often insincere, and when flattery is insincere on paper, it is especially obvious. Naturally, you want to say nice things about the school/program/foundation you’re hoping will give you money or an internship, but it’s not good enough to write “I’ve heard great things about your organization.” That is empty praise--praise without substantiation –and it will always sound insincere.
Happily, it’s easy to avoid insincerity with a little bit of research about the opportunity you’re applying for. When you write your letter, show that you know what you’re complimenting by using specifics.
Wrong: “I’m interested because you have a great faculty.”
Right: “I’m especially interested in working with Teacher X, because of her expertise with Y and Z.”
Wrong: “I’ve heard really great things about your program.”
Right: “The repertoire you’re doing this summer is exciting. I won my division at NATS this year with ‘Je dis’ and would love the opportunity to explore the full role. Also, I love working with children and understand you have a touring children’s opera.”
Wrong: My teacher said your program would be good for me.
Right: My teacher told me that in addition to your classes in acting, the singing business, and social media marketing, there are opportunities to serve as assistant director or stage manager. I have experience as a stage manager and am especially interested in ADing.”
WHY ME?
Here are some frequently used but poor arguments for why you, as opposed to many other applicants, should receive a scholarship or internship. The language is simplified to some degree, but in my position as director of a training program, many similarly-worded letters have crossed my desk.
1. I really, really, really need the money.
The fact that you need funds isn’t a sufficient reason to be awarded money or an opportunity. It’s a given. You wouldn’t jump through the required hoops to get a scholarship you don’t need. Lots of people need money, so what distinguishes you? Also, if you’re applying to a program that offers scholarships, work-studies, and/or internships, either apply for work-study or an internship as well as a scholarship or be prepared to defend your reasoning for not being willing to work for the money.
2. I will work super hard and make you proud of me.
Again, it’s a given. Scholarship recipients are expected to make the most of the opportunity, so simply saying that you will do so is an empty promise.
3. I want to be a singer soooooo bad.
Another given! Another thing that everybody else applying for this opportunity also wants. What else ya got?
Are you beginning to see a pattern? When you’re asking for an opportunity, it’s not enough for you to need it, want it, and promise to make the most of it. Your letter of interest is an argument. It’s an argument about why someone should give you something you want. Arguments require premises and evidence. Remember those research papers you had to write in college? Writing a letter of interest is similar. (The good news is, you don’t have to do citations).
THE BETTER WAY
Start with an outline, just like you do with research papers. Your thesis, perhaps not so baldly stated, is:
I am a worthy candidate for Scholarship A.
Keep your thesis statement where you can see it as you write and refer to it regularly to make sure that your premises and evidence all point back to that thesis.
Notice that the suggested premises are the same as the “poor” arguments listed above. Here, they are worded in more appealing and professional ways. But more importantly, they are supported.
I. INTRO
This is your opening paragraph, introducing yourself and including your research about the program, your reasons for wishing to attend. It leads up to and concludes with your thesis which is your request and statement of worthiness. You can include some or all your premises in this statement.
Ex: I am submitting myself as a strong candidate for a scholarship with Program X as a serious student of my art who is hard-working, dedicated, and already working to support my dream.
Next, restate and support each premise briefly.
II. Premise #1: I am serious about becoming a professional artist.
A. Evidence: Ex: I attend a summer program every year to capitalize on what I’ve learned during the school year OR With the guidance of my teacher and coach, I have committed to a program of self-study and learned X number of roles in the past 2 years.
B. Evidence: Ex: I am an officer in (music fraternity or organization) OR I put together a concert of arias to present at nursing homes OR I directed the youth pageant at church
III. Premise #2: I am hard-working and dedicated.
A. Evidence: Ex: I am currently taking 17 hours and negotiating rehearsals while working part-time and maintaining a church job.
B. Evidence: Ex: In addition to my full-time studies and part-time job, I volunteer at the Red Cross.
IV. Premise #3: This opportunity might not be available to me without your help, and I am already working to support my dream.
A. Evidence : Ex: I work at the university music office to pay for my education
B. Evidence: Ex: I have done XYZ to raise money to attend this program
V. Conclusion: restate the thesis, thank the committee for their time and consideration, and mention that you look forward to hearing from them.
FOLLOW UP
If you do receive the scholarship, work-study, or internship, say thank you immediately. Write a letter, but also thank the institution appropriately on social media. You are now a brand ambassador for the institution, so ask what you can do to support and promote them. Throughout the duration of the program, you should be on your best behavior in public and in private. This may seem like a no-brainer, but we all know people who have received opportunities and proceed to take them for granted. It may be that nothing is said at the time, but bad behavior does not go unnoticed and can easily come back to bite you later. And in worst-case scenarios, you might lose your scholarship or position.
Thankfully, most people aren’t arrogant or ungrateful enough to behave badly once they’ve been given an opportunity. Right? RIGHT? You attend programs or schools is to receive education and performance opportunities, but also to make connections that will serve you as you continue climbing the career ladder. Maintaining those connections is important—you never know who will prove to be the key to that next opportunity. And connections are two-way. One day, you may be called upon to support the institutions that once supported you, by acknowledging their part in your education and career growth.
***
If you enjoyed this article, please comment, share and link back to www.CindySadler.com.
If you could use more good advice or some career mentoring, get in touch! The next Project:You guided career mentoring workshop begins in February 2020.
