Joyce Walsh Junior Disability Award (NFMC)

The Junior Award for the Handicapped was established in 1983 as the official project of the Junior Division under the leadership of Joyce Walsh, Junior Counselor. The annual competition is open to any Junior instrumentalist or vocalist who is mentally or physically disabled. In 2001, the awards were renamed the Joyce Walsh Disability Awards.

The first place winner of the competition will receive an award of $2,000 and the second place winner will receive $1,500 for the purpose of musical study. In addition, one award of $700 in each of the five NFMC regions. Please note: Former first place winners of the award are not eligible to compete.

Application Requirements

  • Applicant must have reached 12th birthday, but not 19th, by March 1 of the audition year.
  • Review the Rules and Requirements form (JR 16-1) and send a completed application (JR 16-2) to the chairman, to be received by March 1 of the application year. The forms may be downloaded: Competitions and Awards/Junior Division from the NFMC web site.
  • Send a recorded audition, not to exceed 10 minutes, to the chairman, to be received by March 1 of the application year.
  • Be a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs either through group membership or Individual Junior Special Membership. The Junior Special Membership is $13.00. Make check payable to the National Federation of Music Clubs.  The entry fee is $10.00.
  • Include a letter of recommendation from teacher, tutor, or clergy.
  • Include a letter from a medical doctor stating the nature and duration of the mental or physical disability
  • Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.

Scholarship Application

Contact Cheryl Schmidt for more information •
Email Cheryl SchmidtMFMC Joyce Walsh Award Chair

1110 SW 14th Street, Willmar, MN 56201

National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) website