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The Mission of The Friends of Music:

To encourage and inspire young musicians who live or study in the Lehigh Valley, by giving them opportunities for public performances, thus fostering growth and confidence;
To promote a mutually beneficial association among music teachers, music lovers, and music students; and
To promote the study and enjoyment of music.

Outstanding Young Artist Competition

Due to a lack of funding, The Friends of Music of Bethlehem have placed a hiatus for this program for the 2025 - 2026 Season. Help fund us for another 100 years! We need your support to fund our programs for the next season. Please take time to donate via paypal using the "DONATE" button at the top of the page.

$800 for the Outstanding Young Artist
$75 for Rising Star

*Decision to select a 1st Prize and/or Rising Star winner, is at the discretion of the judges.*

The winners must perform in the Spring Recital in order to receive the monetary award.

Application Period: Closed due to Hiatus for the 2025 – 2026 Season.

Recital: Spring Recital has been put on Hiatus for the 2025 – 2026 Season.

Additional information may be found on the Outstanding Young Artist Competition page.

School Grants

Grants support student music programs, grades K–12, for schools located in Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Pennsylvania. Awards distributed August 2025 for 2025–2026 school year.

School teachers may request up to $1500.

Outstanding Teacher Award

We realize that we would not have such outstanding young musicians if it were not for the outstanding music teachers who have supported, encouraged and shown them how to develop their interest and talent. Therefore, in 2021, we added an award to recognize outstanding music teachers in the Lehigh Valley. For more information email to the attention of Carole Burkhardt at: friendsofmusicpa@gmail.com.

You can download the nomination form below.
Outstanding Teacher Award Form