Music Center Spotlight Awards

Spotlight is a free performing arts program and competition that empowers Southern California high school students of all skill levels. Each year we award $100,000 in scholarships, plus written feedback, with opportunities for mastery classes with world-renowned artists, performance opportunities, and more!

It’s easy: fill out an application, upload a video, and begin your Spotlight journey!

Who Can Apply

High school students (public, private, online, or homeschool) in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Riverside, Imperial, Kern, or San Bernardino Counties (Ballet students: check the rules page for out-of-state residency exceptions)
Must be enrolled in high school as of Dec. 31, 2026 (not a full-time college student).
If you advance to the Grand Prize Finals, you must be available for the Finals rehearsal (May 21, 2027) and Grand Finale (all day -May 22, 2027).
Categories: Acting, Ballet, Dance, Classical Voice, Non-Classical Voice, Classical Instrumental, Contemporary Instrumental. You can apply in more than one!

By Applying You Are Eligible For

Cash awards
Written feedback from distinguished judges
Mastery classes with world-class artists
Live audition experience & coaching
The Grand Finale performance
College & career preparation
Recognition at school & in the media

Important Updates

Acting & Non-Classical Voice are capped at 300 applicants each apply early! Those categories will close once they each reach 300 applicants.
2026 Semifinalist and Honorable Mention awardees automatically advance to Preliminary 2. All returning awardees must submit an application with the video placeholder (emailed to you).