Foundation extends scholarship deadline

The deadline has been extended for youths and teachers interested in applying for scholarships to Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation’s August workshop in Bigfork.

The third annual guitar workshop will be held at Flathead Lake Lodge Aug. 26 through Sept. 2.

The workshop is a rare opportunity for youths and teachers to learn from nationally and internationally renowned artists and master teachers in six days of intimate workshops, master classes and jam sessions.

Ten scholarships of $3,000 will be awarded providing the recipients with tuition and meals. They are available to guitar students and teachers in the greater Flathead Valley and must be returned by June 8. North Valley Music School in Whitefish is coordinating the scholarships.

The foundation hopes that by providing scholarships to local guitar teachers, allowing them to grow their playing skills and teaching abilities, the workshop can have a lasting impact on guitar music in the Flathead.

Local performer Andre Floyd of Columbia Falls, who was a scholarship winner in 2011, said: "Sometimes when you are successful playing an instrument, you hang on your laurels. I wanted to make sure that I was still improving and challenging myself."

Teacher applicants should fill out an application form and write an essay.

Student applicants must be under age 18 as of Sept. 1, have studied guitar for at least two years and have been a resident of the Flathead Valley for at least one year.

Applicants must complete an essay about the role of guitar in their life and submit a recording. Financial need will be taken into consideration.

For complete application requirements and a form, visit www.northvalleymusicschool.org or call 862-8074. Awards will be announced by June 15.