M. Louise Miller – Paul E. Knox Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by American Guild of Organists
Background
In 1998 a scholarship was created to commemorate the life and contributions of Dr. M. Louise Miller (1914–2008), who was a founding member of the Greater Bridgeport chapter in 1948 and a noted teacher, church musician, and organist. In 2015 the Greater Bridgeport Chapter of the American Guild of Organists renamed the fund following a generous bequest from the estate of Dr. Paul E. Knox (1930–2015), a respected colleague of Dr. Miller and distinguished church musician and educator.
Award overview
A $5,000 scholarship will be granted in July 2026 to an undergraduate student who will be enrolled in fall 2026 at an accredited American college, conservatory, or university and who intends to pursue a career in organ performance and church music. The scholarship recipient will also present a winner’s recital (which includes travel expenses) in Connecticut in May or June 2027; this recital carries a $2,000 program award and will be open to chapter members and the public.
Eligibility and requirements
- Applicant must be an undergraduate planning study in fall 2026 at an American institution leading toward a career in organ performance and/or church music.
- Application materials include a brief written essay and an audio recording of two standard organ works: one by Bach and one from the Romantic repertoire.
Deadlines and application materials
- Completed applications are due by June 1, 2026.
- The application form and full instructions are available online as a .doc file (please check your Downloads area if you have already accessed the site).
- Submit the completed form or direct questions by email to lmillerpknoxscholarship@gmail.com.
Additional opportunity
Applicants should note that John Polo also serves as Program Director for the Greenville, SC AGO Chapter’s Robert & Nancy Powell Scholarship. That award uses the same eligibility criteria and timeline as the Greater Bridgeport scholarship, but applications must be submitted separately and will be evaluated by independent panels. Applying to both presents a chance to receive up to $14,000 in combined scholarship support.
If you need the application link or have any other questions, email lmillerpknoxscholarship@gmail.com.