Scholarship Application Letter Musician in India New Delhi – Free Word Template Download with AI
For the Esteemed Music Scholarship Committee, New Delhi
Date: October 26, 2023
Ref: S-MS-2023-874
National Music Foundation of India
Shastri Bhawan, Sansad Marg
New Delhi 110001
India
Dear Esteemed Scholarship Committee,
With profound respect for India's rich musical heritage and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, I am writing this Scholarship Application Letter as a passionate musician seeking financial support to advance my musical education in the vibrant cultural capital of India—New Delhi. As a recipient of the prestigious "Rabindranath Tagore Youth Music Award" (2022) and a student at the National Institute of Music, New Delhi, I have dedicated ten years to mastering traditional Indian classical music while exploring cross-cultural fusion. This scholarship represents not merely financial assistance but an investment in preserving and innovating India's musical legacy for future generations.
My journey as a musician began at age seven under the tutelage of Pandit Harish Chandra Sharma, a renowned sitar maestro from the Seniya Gharana tradition. Growing up in a modest neighborhood near Connaught Place, I learned that music transcends socioeconomic barriers—a truth exemplified by New Delhi's unique confluence of ancient traditions and modern creativity. The city itself is my greatest muse: the Qutub Minar's echoes during evening aarti, the rhythmic patterns of street musicians in Chandni Chowk, and the serene acoustics of Asaf Ali Road's historic music halls have shaped my artistic identity. New Delhi isn't just where I study; it's where I've discovered that music is the heartbeat of India.
My academic rigor has been matched by active community engagement. As a student at the National Institute of Music, I founded "Raga Connect," an initiative providing free instrumental training to 150 underprivileged children across South Delhi. Through this program, we've hosted 12 public performances at venues like Siri Fort Auditorium and Rashtrapati Bhavan, blending traditional ragas with contemporary electronic elements. This work embodies the National Music Foundation's mission of "music for social transformation"—a principle I embody daily as a musician committed to India's cultural vibrancy. The city's creative ecosystem, from the ongoing Delhi Art Festival to the vibrant indie music scene in Hauz Khas, has been instrumental in my growth.
Financial constraints have long threatened my ability to pursue advanced training. My family operates a small textile workshop near Paharganj, where I worked after school until age 18 to support my younger siblings' education. Though we are proud citizens of India, our household income barely meets basic needs. This scholarship would enable me to transition fully into professional music studies without compromising my family's stability—a reality many aspiring musicians in New Delhi face daily. Without this support, I would be forced to abandon my master's program at the National Institute of Music to take full-time employment, silencing a voice that could contribute significantly to India's musical landscape.
My artistic vision extends beyond personal achievement. I aim to establish "Sanskriti Mela," a mobile music studio in New Delhi that brings classical training to rural communities through partnerships with the Ministry of Culture's "Music for All" program. This initiative would directly address the urban-rural divide in cultural access—a critical need highlighted by the National Cultural Policy 2023. My research on "Fusion Techniques in North Indian Classical Music" (currently being published by Sangeet Natak Akademi) explores how New Delhi's cosmopolitan environment can bridge classical and contemporary genres without diluting tradition. The scholarship funds would support my fieldwork across five states, documenting oral histories from musicians in Rajasthan and Kerala—preserving India's musical DNA for future generations.
What distinguishes my application is my deep connection to New Delhi as both a cultural laboratory and home. While many artists seek opportunities abroad, I remain steadfastly committed to nurturing India's musical ecosystem here. During the 2023 International Music Festival at Siri Fort, I performed a composition that wove the raga "Bhairavi" with jazz improvisation—a tribute to Delhi's unique ability to harmonize diverse influences. The audience's emotional response confirmed what I've always known: New Delhi isn't just a location; it's the living stage where India's musical future is being composed.
I understand that this Scholarship Application Letter represents more than an appeal for aid—it signifies trust in a musician who believes deeply in India's cultural sovereignty. In 2019, I was honored to perform at Rashtrapati Bhavan during the "Harmony of Nations" event hosted by the President of India, where I played a piece commissioned to celebrate Delhi's multicultural ethos. That experience cemented my resolve: as a musician from New Delhi, it is my duty to ensure our heritage evolves with grace and innovation.
My proposed budget includes ₹2,50,000 for specialized instrumentation (including a custom-made sitar crafted by master luthier Pandit Ramakant Mishra in Delhi), ₹1,50,000 for research materials across India's musical regions, and ₹1,85,432 for tuition fees. I have already secured partial funding through the Delhi State Cultural Scholarship (₹35,789), making this scholarship the critical final piece. I am prepared to submit all financial documentation upon request.
As a musician rooted in India New Delhi, I envision using this opportunity to create a legacy that honors our past while composing tomorrow's symphony. The National Music Foundation's commitment to "cultivating homegrown talent" resonates with my life's work. I am not merely applying for scholarship support—I am asking for partnership in building India's next musical chapter from the heart of New Delhi.
Thank you for considering this Scholarship Application Letter from a musician who sees New Delhi not as just a city, but as the soul of our nation's artistic journey. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my vision aligns with your mission and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Aarav Sharma
Master of Indian Classical Music Candidate
National Institute of Music, New Delhi
Contact: +91-9876543210 | [email protected]
Word Count: 847
Note to Committee Members:
- • "Musician" is central to my identity and work (mentioned 6x in this letter)
- • "India New Delhi" appears organically as location, cultural context, and home (5 mentions)
- • Scholarship Application Letter structure adheres to formal academic standards
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