How to Write an Essay for the McKee Legacy Music Award

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your early experiences with music. What inspired you to pursue this path? Consider family influences, significant events, or mentors that shaped your musical journey.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments in music. Include specific metrics, such as performances, competitions, or projects. Highlight leadership roles or responsibilities that showcase your commitment and impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be honest about your aspirations and the need for further study or resources to achieve them.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, resilience, and dedication to music. This is your chance to humanize your application.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear structure. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Open with a vivid scene or moment that captures your relationship with music.
2. Background: Discuss your musical journey, integrating insights from your background.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using specific examples and metrics to demonstrate impact.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to gain from this scholarship and how it will facilitate your growth.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to music and how you plan to use your education to make a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and general statements. Instead, aim for specificity—use numbers, names, and concrete details that make your story compelling. Each paragraph should present one clear idea, leading logically to the next.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay. Ask yourself: What changed in me through these experiences? Why does this matter? Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question, emphasizing your growth and future aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague language and empty superlatives—focus on evidence and specifics.
• Steer clear of passive voice; make sure your actions are clear.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Refrain from starting with clichés or generic statements; engage the reader from the first line.