This page updated on February 26, 2008

Artists studying voice & music know all too well the importance of scholarships. The money received helps them continue their vocal studies and to prepare in other ways for a career in opera and/or concert stages. During Mario Lanza's lifetime, he dreamed of establishing a scholarship program to help young vocal students realize their dreams. Mario's untimely death in 1959 prevented him from seeing the dream become a reality.

In our dedication to keeping Mario's dream alive, the Mario Lanza Institute Scholarship Program was established. During our 46-year history, the Mario Lanza Institute has awarded over 200 vocal scholarships to talented, aspiring young singers. The support and dedication of thousands over the years has been the lifeblood of the MLI Scholarship Program.
Applicants come from many parts of the U.S. and foreign countries. Each spring, the Institute's Board of Directors, working together with the administrators of the competition, review the criteria for selecting applicants for the coming year. Applications are prepared and forwarded to various schools throughout the country and are provided to anyone who has the ability and desire to compete. A requirement for application is that the student must have a vocal/music study background. This may consist of either previous enrollment or current enrollment in a study program. Currently there is only one program category for ages 21 through 28. Prizes awarded are First Place: $2500, Second Place: $2000, Third Place: $1500, and Fourth Place: $1000. There are also 5 encouragement awards of $100 each.

Each year in October, the auditions are conducted over a two-day period. A panel of judges chooses the semi-finalists who then compete at the Mario Lanza Anniversary Ball before all in attendance. The judges then determine the order of the winners and an announcement is made towards the end of the Ball. This always adds excitement to an already spectacular evening. Hard work & dedication ensure the success of the MLI Scholarship Program. The Mario Lanza Institute is proud of the fact that all proceeds from various events such as the Spring Concert and the Anniversary Ball go to fund the scholarship program and, ultimately, to keep Mario's dream alive.

As stated earlier, it is the support & dedication of many through their contributions that are the lifeblood of the MLI Scholarship Program.

To learn more about the Scholarship Program, to make a donation, or to visit our location, you may call the Mario Lanza Museum at 215-238-9691. We are located on the first floor of Columbus House at 712 Montrose Street in South Philadelphia.