Music Resources for Teens and Young Adults


 Last Updated: July 2026

Resources for Young Musicians
Whether you're learning your first instrument, writing songs, producing beats, or dreaming of a career in music, there are organizations dedicated to helping you succeed.
This page is a growing collection of scholarships, grants, competitions, educational programs, professional organizations, and career resources. New opportunities are added every year, so bookmark this page and check back often.

Quick Navigation
  • Scholarships & Awards
  • Career Development & Networking
  • Music Education
  • Composing for Film, TV & Games
  • Grants & Funding
  • Recording & Music Technology
  • Professional Organizations
  • Arkansas Resources
  • Tips Before You Apply

Scholarships & Awards
Scholarships and competitions can provide financial support, mentorship, recognition, and valuable experience.

Arts Across Arkansas
Best for: Arkansas high school students
The Arkansas Arts Council's Arts Across Arkansas competition includes music composition opportunities for high school students across the state.
Highlights
  • Music composition competition
  • Cash awards
  • Statewide recognition
  • Mentorship opportunities
Website
https://www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-art-council/aac-home​

BMI Foundation
Best for: Songwriters and composers
The BMI Foundation supports emerging music creators through scholarships, awards, and annual competitions.
Highlights
  • Songwriting scholarships
  • Composition awards
  • National competitions
Website
https://bmifoundation.org

ASCAP Foundation
Best for: Songwriters, composers, and performers
The ASCAP Foundation offers scholarships, competitions, and educational programs designed to encourage young creators.
Highlights
  • Scholarships
  • Songwriting competitions
  • Educational resources
Website
https://www.ascapfoundation.org

YoungArts
Best for: Artists ages 15–18
One of the country's most prestigious arts competitions, YoungArts provides financial awards, mentorship, and national recognition.
Highlights
  • Ages 15 to 18
  • National recognition
  • Cash awards
  • Professional mentorship
Website
https://youngarts.org

Career Development & Networking
Building relationships is just as important as building your musical skills.
GRAMMY U
Best for: College students pursuing careers in music.
Highlights
  • Industry networking
  • Educational events
  • Professional mentors
  • Career development
Website
https://grammyu.com

Artist INC
Artist INC helps artists build sustainable careers by teaching business skills often overlooked in traditional music education.
Highlights
  • Marketing
  • Financial planning
  • Goal setting
  • Professional development
Website
https://artistinc.art

GetSmART! Learning SeriesFree workshops from the Arkansas Arts Council covering the business side of being an artist.
Topics include
  • Grant writing
  • Booking shows
  • Marketing
  • Business planning
  • Taxes
  • Social media
Website
https://www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-art-council/aac-home

Music Education
Many schools and arts organizations offer incredible summer camps, workshops, and precollege experiences.
Colleges to Explore Also look at music departments in your local colleges and universities. Many offer:
  • Summer camps
  • Jazz camps
  • Recording workshops
  • Youth orchestras
  • Songwriting intensives

Composing for Film, TV & Games
Interested in creating music for visual media?
New Music USAOffers grants, funding, mentorship, and educational resources for composers.
https://www.newmusicusa.org

Reel Change Film Fund
Supports composers working in film and visual storytelling.
https://www.newmusicusa.org

Grants & Funding
As you begin releasing music and producing projects, funding opportunities become increasingly important.
Keep an eye on:
Recording & Music Technology
Many companies invest heavily in young musicians through scholarships, discounts, contests, and free educational resources.
Check these regularly.
Recording & Production Instruments Many manufacturers also offer educational pricing, artist programs, and free training.

Professional Organizations
These organizations are valuable throughout your music career.
Arkansas Resources
Don't overlook opportunities close to home by following social media posts.
Explore:
  • Arkansas Arts Council
  • Arkansas Music Office
  • Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Youth Ensembles
  • Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA)
  • University music departments
  • Community colleges
  • Regional music festivals
  • Local songwriting groups
  • Youth orchestras
  • Community music programs
Your first mentor, collaborator, or gig is often closer than you think.

Tips Before You Apply
Research Every Opportunity
Before applying, spend a few minutes learning about the organization.
Look for:
  • A professional website
  • Clear eligibility requirements
  • Previous winners or recipients
  • Contact information
  • Real staff members
About Application Fees
Some competitions charge entry fees to cover judging and administration. That's normal.
Grants, however, generally do not require an application fee. If an organization asks for money before awarding funding, take time to verify that it's legitimate before applying.

Keep Exploring
Every opportunity opens the door to another one.
You don't need to win every scholarship or competition. The goal is to keep creating, keep learning, and keep applying. Over time you'll build connections, gain experience, and discover new opportunities that can shape your career.

Help Us Build This Resource
​Know of a scholarship, competition, workshop, grant, or educational program that belongs here?
Let us know! Our goal is to make this one of the most comprehensive free resource guides for young musicians in Arkansas and beyond.