2026 Charlotte Folk Society Scholarships

The Charlotte Folk Society will be offering seven scholarships (3 Swannanoa, 2 Blue Ridge Old Time Music Week, 2 MerleFest Bluegrass Camp) to attend the music camps at various locations in the region. Applicants will need to attend an interview/audition on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 1PM at St. Martins Episcopal Church at 1510 E 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.

A partnership with the

Swannanoa Gathering at Warren Wilson College

Blue Ridge Old Time Music Week

MerleFest Bluegrass Jam Camps

Application Process

  • All applicants must be a current member of the Charlotte Folk Society
  • All applicants must reside in one of the following NC or SC counties: Cabarrus, Catawba, Cherokee, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lancaster, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Union, York
  • These scholarships are for students of acoustic music, either instrumental or vocal, who perform at least at the intermediate level
  • Interview judges, their students, their immediate family members, or previous scholarship recipients are not eligible
  • Scholarships will be awarded without regard to religion, sex, ethnic background, economic status, or physical challenges
  • These scholarships cover full tuition, room, and board. Recipients are responsible for transportation to and from the camp site and for any chaperone costs. An adult chaperone is required for any participant who is under 16 at the time of camp.
  • Applicants must be at least 12 years old at time of camp.

Steps:

  1. Apply online at www.folksociety.org
  2. Write a letter describing your interest in acoustic music, reasons why you would like to receive a scholarship, and ways you hope to benefit from attending
  3. Supporting materials are accepted but not required (i.e., letter of recommendation from mentor or teacher, brief history of music involvement, etc.)
  4. Complete the Liability Release Form (signature or parent or guardian is required for applicants younger than 18 years or age to indicate permission and acceptance of liability)
  5. Submit the application and all supporting materials no later than Sunday, January 18, 2026.
  6. Applicants will receive confirmation by email once the completed application is received.
  7. Applications received after Sunday, January 18, 2026, will not be accepted.
  8. Attend a live interview on Sunday, January 25, 2026 sometime between 1-5pm.
    1. Assigned interview times will begin at 1PM. Applicants will receive their interview times by email.
    2. Location: St. Martin’s Episcopal Church,1510 E. 7 th St., Charlotte, NC 28204
    3. No exceptions will be made to the time and location of the interviews
    4. Each interview will be approximately 5 minutes and will include 1 or 2 songs
    5. Applicants may have one accompanist during the interview
    6. Scholarship winners will be announced at the conclusion of the interviews.
    7. Winners may be given the opportunity to perform at a future Charlotte Folk Society event.

APPLICATION for 2026 is OPEN! Click here to access the application!