Scholarships

General Music Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded based on the students' audition for first year students and on their performance during the academic year for returning students. Many of the awards available to students are listed below.

Anthony Kooiker Music Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund established to provide financial aid to deserving students. First preference will be given to worthy students pursuing a career in music.

Cameron A. Rylance Scholarship Fund

A fund that provides aid for worthy students, with preference given to those who demonstrate serious interest in church music and who plan to serve the church in some area of music ministry.

Carlyle ’35 and Doris VanLente ’36 Neckers Music Scholarship Fund

A fund for deserving students with financial need. First preference will be given to students majoring in music with additional preference given to those participating in choir.

DeLoof-Tien Music Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund to provide assistance to deserving students expressing interest in a major in music. First preference will be given to declared majors. Established by John ’52 and Yvonne DeLoof ’52 Tien and Family.

Dorothy Grace Renzema Moore Award for Excellence in Math and Music

A fund for students majoring in music, with preference for students who are vocal or instrumental music majors, and who have demonstrated financial need.

Elizabeth Schouten Memorial Scholarship Fund

A fund established by Elizabeth Ann Schouten ’31 to provide financial assistance for students preparing for careers in science education, health related professions, nursing, Christian ministry or music.

Esther M. Snow Vienna Scholarship Fund

A fund established in memory of Esther M. Snow, member of the Hope College faculty from 1937–1965, whose enthusiasm for music, German and Vienna served as an inspiration for many generations of Hope students. The fund will annually provide one or more scholarships to outstanding students planning to spend a summer in Vienna studying music, German or European culture.

Esther Molenaar Scholarship Fund

A scholarship established in honor of Esther Molenaar, with preference given to students majoring in music.

Frank and Dorothy Sherburne Scholarship Fund

A scholarship for deserving upperclassman with financial need. Preference given to students majoring in mathematics, theater or music.

George ’44 and Dorothy Wichers ’44 Claver Scholarship Fund

A fund established by the family of George and Dorothy Claver to provide assistance to deserving students with financial need. The George Claver scholarship will be given to students pursuing careers in chemistry or computer science. The Dorothy Claver scholarship will be given to students who intend to pursue a career in teaching or major in music. The scholarships will be given in alternating years.

Gladys M. Veneklasen Scholarship Fund

A scholarship established to benefit and assist a student pursuing a career in music.

Helen E. Van Ess Music Scholarship Fund

A fund for deserving music students, established by Helen E. Van Ess in memory of her brother, Paul Van Ess.

John L. Hollander Scholarship Fund

A fund to provide scholarship aid for worthy students of good character who desire higher education leading to professions in the fields of law, economics, music or teaching. Established by Mrs. Hollander in memory of her husband, Judge John L. Hollander.

Katherine A. Reynolds Scholarship Fund

A fund for deserving students with financial need to study abroad including the study of classical music. First preference will be given to a Vienna Summer School student who will be taking the "Vienna's Musical Traditions Course" or similar study with a classical music component.

Lucille Lowe and Lena Alberta Music Scholarship Fund

A fund for deserving students with preference to those students majoring in music.

Morehouse-Duesing Music Scholarship Fund

A fund for deserving students with financial need. First preference will be given to students participating in the music program. Given by Charlotte M. Duesing ’31 and her husband, Howard, in memory of her father, Harry C. Morehouse, a Reformed Church minister for many years.

Mr. and Mrs. John Aggen Scholarship Fund

A fund to provide financial assistance for deserving students, with preference to those pursuing careers in music or the ministry. Established through the estates of Mr. and Mrs. John Aggen, Reformed Church members supporting the work of the college.

Naomi Smith Harris and Philip J. Harmelink Scholarship Fund

A fund established by Dr. Philip J. Harmelink ’66 to aid worthy students. Preference given to those students preparing for careers in education with an emphasis on history, music or foreign languages.

Nella Meyer Scholarship Fund

A fund established by Professor Nella Meyer, with additional support from her family and friends, to provide financial assistance to students at Hope College, with preference given to students interested in music or French.

Palma Family Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund established in loving memory of Fern D. Palma by her friends and family. A member of the Hope Class of 1983, she majored in music and physical education. This scholarship is intended for deserving students with financial need. Preference will be given to students majoring in music or kinesiology.

Paul Gerding Bast Scholarship Fund

A fund to provide assistance to students whose talent and character mark them for leadership in their chosen fields, as well as in the development of the highest human and Christian values in our society. Preference is given to students majoring in English or music. Established by family and friends of Paul Gerding Bast.

Raymond C. and Alice S. Van Zoeren Scholarship Fund

A fund for deserving students, with preference given to those students majoring in music.

Richard M. and Helen DeVos Scholarship Fund

A scholarship for deserving students with financial need who participate in Hope College's music program. Awarding preference will be given to graduates of West Michigan Christian high schools.

Robert Holt Music Scholarship Fund

Established by Robert L Holt ’60, to provide financial assistance to students who are music majors. First preference will be given to a minority student.

Sherwood L. Hazelton Memorial Music Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund established by Mrs. Judith Hazelton in memory of her husband Sherwood Hazelton, to provide assistance to deserving students with financial need, with preference given to students studying music.

Spaan-Evert Family Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund for deserving students with financial needs. This fund was established by the estate of Milton C. Spaan ’36 and increased through the generosity of Lance W. ’62 and Marty Spaan ’63 Evert. This fund provides assistance to deserving upperclassman in the fields of pre-law, music or education with preference given to members of the Reformed Church of America.

Stanley DePree Scholarship Fund

A fund to provide aid for worthy students with preference given to students majoring in music.

TenBrinke Family Scholarship Fund

A fund for deserving students with financial need and expressing an interest in a major or minor in music. First preference will be given to declared majors. Established in memory of Jannes and Mary TenBrinke by their daughter, Nellie H. TenBrinke ’52.

DAA underwritten by Dr. William C. Waggoner ’58

A fund established through the estate of Dr. William C. Waggoner ’58 by William and Nancy Waggoner to provide scholarship assistance for Hope students with a commitment to classical music. The fund provides scholarships on the basis of musical talent and merit. Audition or submission of appropriate materials is required. The scholarship will be awarded for four years provided appropriate renewal criteria are met.

Winifred Washburn Scholarship Fund

A scholarship to provide aid for worthy students, with preference given to those pursuing music. Funded through the estate of Winifred Washburn.

Instrumental Area Scholarships

Albert and Suzie Ritsema Scholarship

A scholarship established by their four children, three of whom were music majors at Hope. Preference should be given to a string player on a competitive basis.

Dangremond Trio Scholarship Fund

A fund for deserving students, with preference for those majoring in vocal or instrumental music. Established by Dr. and Mrs. E. H. Dangremond in memory of Doris Dangremond, Florence Dangremond and Lois Dangremond Flenner. The Dangremonds are the grandchildren of the Reverend Gerrit Dangremond, valedictorian of the first graduating class of Hope College in 1866.

Herman and Elizabeth Ritsema Scholarship

A scholarship established by Herman and Elizabeth Ritsema in honor of their sons, Herb, Harold and Dan, who were music majors at Hope College. Preference will be given to returning Hope students who play brass or woodwind instruments and who are active in one of Hope's performing ensembles. This scholarship is renewable and not need-based. The recipient will be determined by the Hope College Music Department.

Ronald ’60 and Sonja L. Boeve Scholarship Fund

A scholarship established by Ron and Sunny Boeve for a student with demonstrated financial need with preference for a student who participates in string or instrumental music at the college.

Keyboard Area Scholarships

Charles Aschbrenner Scholarship Fund

A fund established by the students, friends and colleagues of Professor Charles Aschbrenner, in honor of his long and distinguished career at Hope College, for talented pianists showing demonstrated ability to contribute to the piano program. Preference will be given to deserving incoming students with demonstrated financial need. A student of diversity will be given special preference.

Charles and Fenita Harmelink King Scholarship Fund

A fund established by Dr. Philip J. Harmelink ’66 in honor of his sister Fenita Harmelink King and her husband, Charles King. The income from this fund provides scholarships for deserving students intending to pursue careers in church music, organ and/or music education.

David P. Roossien Organ Scholarship

A fund to provide assistance for deserving students of organ. The successful recipient will demonstrate aptitude, potential and interest in the field of church music. Established in 1999 by David P. Roossien, a friend of the college and patron of the arts.

Ethel Leestma ’33 Swets Organ Scholarship Fund

A fund established by family and friends in honor of Ethel Swets who was the first organ major under Dr. Curtis Snow on the Skinner Opus 732 organ in Dimnent Chapel in 1929. This scholarship is to celebrate Ethel's joy and great talent in playing classical and church music, and her commitment of service to Christ. Her emphasis was on the importance of technique, and playing with "heart." This scholarship is to be given to a deserving organ major.

Joan Conway Piano Scholarship Fund

A scholarship that provides support to a new student showing aptitude and passion for piano. The student is selected on merit collectively by the Professors of Piano. Established in 2011 by Joan Conway, her friends and her former students.

John and Marilyn van der Velde Scholarship Fund

A scholarship offered to an entering keyboard student and selected by the college organist/organ professor of the Department of Music. This scholarship is renewable up to eight semesters and may be offered in addition to the Distinguished Artist Award and/or other awards and/or scholarships.

Lloyd A. and Arlene D. Warners Family Keyboard Scholarship

A scholarship fund for deserving students with financial need planning to major in music. Students with a particular interest in piano or organ performance and/or pedagogy shall receive awarding preference. This scholarship was established through a gracious bequest from the estates of Lloyd and Arlene Warners of Spring Lake, Michigan.

Margaret Vander Velde Scholarship Fund

A scholarship established by Margaret DenHerder van der Velde for an entering keyboard student and selected by the college organist/organ professor of the Department of Music. This scholarship is renewable up to eight semesters and may be offered in addition to the Distinguished Artist Award and/or other awards and/or scholarships.

Peter and Joyce Harmelink ’63 Koop Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund established by Dr. Philip J. Harmelink ’66 in honor of his sister Joyce Harmelink Koop and her husband, Peter Koop. The income from this fund is to provide scholarships for students from the Reformed Church in America, with preference for students intending to pursue careers in church music, organ and/or music education.

Ruth Haidt Hughes Memorial Organ Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund established by Dr. Philip J. Harmelink ’66 in honor of his sister Joyce Harmelink Koop and her husband, Peter Koop. The income from this fund is to provide scholarships for students from the Reformed Church in America, with preference for students intending to pursue careers in church music, organ and/or music education.

Music Education Area Scholarships

Gordon Berkel ’42 Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund established for deserving students with financial need. First preference will be given to students studying music who plan to teach at the elementary or secondary level.

Ione Trap Scholarship Fund

An endowed scholarship for students with financial need with preference given to students studying voice or music education. This scholarship was established in 2014 by Ione and Paul Trap

Voice Area Scholarships

Joyce M. Morrison Voice Scholarship Fund

An endowed fund that provides a scholarship for the sophomore year of the most promising sophomore vocalist who, after completing his or her freshman year, has expressed an intention to pursue a career in classical voice. The recipient of such scholarship shall be determined annually by the chairperson of the voice division of music of Hope.

Martha Barkema Voice Scholarship Fund

A fund for deserving students, with preference given to those students studying voice.

Thelma K. Leenhouts '66 Scholarship Fund

A fund established to provide assistance to deserving students with financial need who are interested in pursuing a profession in education or vocal music. First priority will be given to students from high-need urban communities and school systems, students of underserved racial backgrounds and international students. 

Incoming Students Only

Freshmen Music Prize

Given each year to entering freshmen in the applied music fields of piano, voice, instrument and organ. Awards are given on the basis of a live audition or by pre-recorded audition. The award pays the private lesson fee for the freshman year. Not renewable. Open to all students interested in music, regardless of major.

Distinguished Artist Award (DAA)

Hope honors talented artists in the areas of creative writing, dance, music, theater and the visual arts. You’ll need to audition or submit a portfolio. Most awards are $3,000 per year, renewable for four years. Most Distinguished Artist Awards (DAAs) can be combined with an academic scholarship.