Rahsaan Roland Kirk Scholarship for the Arts

This scholarship honors legendary multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk, who was known for his complete freedom of expression and innovative approaches to music from 1955 until his passing in 1977. Born in Columbus, Ohio in 1935, Kirk became blind at two years old and studied at the Ohio School for the Blind. He became well-known for his ability to play multiple instruments at once and his circular breathing technique, with his biggest impact in the jazz and blues genres. As a composer and improviser, his music maintained an authentic connection to Black American traditions while advancing an artistic aesthetic that often challenged the status quo, both musically and politically. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools who plan to pursue higher education in music, music performance, or the arts. The scholarship provides $4,000 payable over four years to students attending educational institutions in the United States. Candidates must have passed all parts of the Ohio Graduation Test and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.