The History of the Kenan Scholars Program
The Scholars Program is the premiere scholarship of the The University of North Carolina Department of Music and is awarded annually to four incoming students. Since its founding in the fall of 2007, 34 students have matriculated into the program. In addition to a four year full-tuition scholarship to UNC (including student fees, room and board), Scholars enjoy exclusive workshops and masterclasses with world-class artists such as Sherill Milnes, Laurie Smukler, Robert McDonald, Frederica von Stade, Anthony Dean Griffey and Maestro Gerard Schwarz, attendance at world-class performances through Carolina Performing Arts and team-building through scuba training and ropes courses. Beyond the many ways the scholars contribute to the musical life of the University, every spring their achievements are showcased with a special recital and reception. The scholars also cultivate their own research interests through a $6,000 enrichment fund that allows them to study and perform around the globe. Most importantly, the scholars have the opportunity to combine musical study with academic coursework (or a second major) in one of the nation’s premiere research universities. Graduates of the Kenan Scholars program continue to distinguish themselves through their graduate and professional music making and by pursuing studies and careers in medicine, physics, computer science, law and many other fields.