UK School of Music Scholarships and Grants

Mildred Lewis Awards

Mildred Lewis (1890-1981) joined the UK music faculty in 1931 where she taught sight-singing, dictation, directed the Women's Glee Club, and was the first instructor of the in-service class for training Kentucky music teachers. In 1933, Miss Lewis organized the University Choristers and served as its director until her retirement in the early '60s, an accomplishment for which she is most often remembered. Mildred Lewis built a solid choral music and music education program at UK and was one of the founders and most influential members of the Kentucky Music Education Association. 

Mildred Lewis served as supervisor of music in Lexington and as the state music supervisor and wrote what may have been the first elementary school music curriculum for Kentucky. She also served as President of the Music Educators National Conference - Southern Division. Upon her retirement, in recognition of her service, a Mildred S. Lewis Music Scholarship was created through the donations by colleagues, students and friends, an award designated for music education students. Upon her death in 1984, "Millie" left the bulk of her estate to the School of Music, and in her honor, the "Lewis Award" endowment fund was created as the School's most prestigious performance award.

MILDRED SINCLAIR LEWIS in her own words:

"I started my career in Georgetown with a high school diploma.  It was at this time that the Victor Talking Machine Company started their music education department and began a series of songs suitable for various ages of children.... I did summer study in music and then taught in Ashland where I also directed the orchestra.  One of most interesting experiences was not related to music...During the rugged winter of 1917 I walked across the Ohio River between Ashland and Coal Grove, Ohio.

"Next I moved to Lexington and worked with the State Department.  About this time Professor Carl Lampert asked me to join the music Department at UK, but I turned him down.  However, realizing the importance of education and a college degree, I started my course work at the University of Kentucky.... But the depression came and music was cut from the University.  I went to New York University where I could get choral training to finish my degree.  At last I had my first coveted college degree. At a later time I received my Master's degree.  Then I decided I would marry before going for a doctorate, but to date I haven't gotten either the degree or that man!  Again Professor Lampert asked me to join the UK faculty and I did.  I started a choral group that would later become known as the Choristers.  This was a delightful experience for me for the rest of my time at UK.  I also served as president of the Southern Music Educators National conference.  This was a wonderful experience.

"My faith in music education ranks third in the needs of humankind.  First, the religious leader of one's faith; second, the doctor for ones physical and mental health; third, the music educator who brings a combination of these other two needs through participation and listening to oratorios and great hymns of faith, the emotional release brought about by various types of music for relaxation and pleasure.  What a wonderful opportunity you have to bring comfort and pleasure in the lives of the young people through music!

"My sincere wishes are that you have the same love for what you are doing, as I have had."

Mildred Lewis Music Education Award ($500)

Recipients shall be undergraduate majors in music education. Open to all Kentucky residents, the award is based on promise as a teacher, scholarship, musical talent, character, and financial need. Established in 1960.

The Mildred Lewis Award for Performance

The School of Music's most prestigious scholarship is the Lewis Award. This scholarship carries full tuition plus $2500 per year for four years, regardless of the area of performance. The award goes to one freshman each year and the scholarship is then maintained throughout the student's four-year college career. In order to audition for the Lewis Award, all candidates must audition first for a regular music scholarship, and then must be nominated by the faculty member in that particular performance area for the Lewis Award audition. Lewis Award auditions are held in March each year

Past Lewis Award Winners:

1994-95 John Best, percussion
1995-96 No award made
1996-97 Matthew Young, violin
1997-98 Sarah Hitch, violin
1998-99 Missy Ussery, violin
1999-00 Abram Barr, trumpet
2000-01 Eun-Young Chang, violin
2001-02 Justin Raybould, violin
2002-03 John Pollard, saxophone
2003-04 David Harper, saxophone
2004-05 Brian Archinal, percussion
2005-06 Kristen Kline, violin
2006-07 Verena Ochanine, violin
2007-08 Gisong You, violin
2008-09 Nathan Treadaway, saxophone
2009-10 Yunjung Lee, violin