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Department of Music
John William Tamblyn Endowed Scholarship

The Auburn University Department of Music is pleased to announce
competitive auditions for the
John William Tamblyn
Endowed Scholarship

Purpose

This endowment provides scholarships for outstanding students. It was created within The Auburn Foundation through initial gifts from alumni, friends, students and family members.

Dr. John William Tamblyn's love of music made a profound difference in his life and the lives of Auburn University students and Auburn community members. An Auburn native, Dr. Tamblyn took his first piano lesson at age 5 and gave his first piano recital at age 8. At 13 he began playing the organ at Auburn’s First Presbyterian Church, serving as organist and choir director until his retirement. As a high school student he also played in a small dance band.

Dr. Tamblyn earned two bachelor's degrees from Auburn, one in chemistry and a second in music (among the first offered by the department). He completed his master's and doctoral work in music theory and composition at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Tamblyn served the University community by sharing his love for music as esteemed faculty member in the Department of Music. He was a member of the Auburn University graduate faculty and the Graduate Faculty Council and served on the Auburn University Faculty Senate. Dr. Tamblyn was a founder of the Auburn Chamber Music Association and the AU Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha. He was a charter member of the College of Liberal Arts Academy of Outstanding Teachers, and he served as a lecturer and adjudicator throughout the Southeast.

After retiring in 1990 due to medical reasons, Dr. Tamblyn taught various music classes for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University, and his zest for life, passion for music and desire to contribute continued to burn brightly. He held emeritus status at both the University and church.

Dr. Tamblyn died in January 2018. The scholarships funded by this endowment continue to support promising students who share his love of music and dedication to its study.

Scholarship Guidelines

The Scholarship shall be administered in accordance with the following guidelines:

  • The value of each Scholarship shall be paid at regular intervals during the school year in accordance with normal University policies.
  • Each recipient shall be recommended to the Office of University Scholarships by the
  • Tamblyn Scholarship Committee. The number and amount of the scholarships to be awarded shall be determined by the Tamblyn Scholarship Committee and shall be limited to the funds available in the spendable account.
  • To be eligible for consideration for this scholarship a student must be in good academic standing with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 (on a scale of 4.0)* and have demonstrated exceptional musical talent as determined by the Tamblyn Scholarship Committee. A demonstration of financial need is not necessary for this award.
  • Each scholarship is for one academic year only. However, prior recipients are not disqualified from consideration for this scholarship during subsequent years. In cases where it is determined that the recipient is ineligible for continuation of the Scholarship, a replacement may be named by the Tamblyn Scholarship Committee.

* This grade point average requirement is an officially approved addendum as of September 2003.

Auditions

Auditions will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, beginning at 3:30 p.m. in Goodwin Recital Hall, Samford Avenue, Auburn University Campus. The auditions are open to any Auburn University student enrolled or accepted for enrollment. Primary criteria is a demonstration of performance excellence.

General Information:

  • Scholarships are awarded to students attending Auburn University.
  • The student must be already enrolled or accepted for enrollment.
  • Scholarship(s) may be used for undergraduate or graduate study.
  • College seniors graduating during the school year of the auditions are ineligible except for those continuing in graduate school at Auburn University.
  • Graduate students receiving degrees during the school year of the auditions are ineligible.
  • Scholarship recipients are required to participate in assigned musical activities of the Auburn University Department of Music for the duration of the scholarship.
  • A time each year for live auditions will be set by the committee.

Date and place to audition for scholarships to be awarded for the 2026-2027 school year:

Friday, February 6, 2026, 3:30 p.m.

Recital Hall, Goodwin Music Building

Auburn University Campus

  • Auditions are open only to the committee and other Department of Music Faculty.
  • A fully completed application, including "additional information required" described below, must be emailed to Dr. Ann Knipschild, scholarship coordinator, at knipsak@auburn.edu by Friday, January 23, 2026. You will be notified of your audition time by Friday, January 30.
  • All contestants will be notified of the winner(s).
  • The number and amount of the scholarships will be determined by the Tamblyn Scholarship Committee.

Audition Requirements

  • The audition shall consist of the performance literature from standard artistic repertoire, not to exceed ten minutes. Popular music is not appropriate for this audition.
  • A live performance with appropriate accompaniment is required for all contestants currently enrolled at Auburn University.
  • Please supply additional copies of your music for the scholarship committee.
  • A live performance is preferable in all cases, but for incoming freshmen and those transferring from other colleges, a video recording of a live performance with appropriate accompaniment is acceptable. Each musical selection should be recorded continuously, and the recording should be unedited. Upload your recording to YouTube (set up as Unlisted) and include the link when you email your application form.
  • Upon the completion of all auditions a brief interview by the Tamblyn Scholarship Committee may be held privately with selected contestants, after which winners will be selected and announced.

Additional Information Required

  • Completed application form. You should fill out the form and email it to Dr. Knipschild at knipsak@auburn.edu.
  • An official copy of all transcripts. Transcripts should be sent electronically to knipsak@auburn.edu.
  • Two letters of recommendation from the applicant’s primary music teacher and one other teacher. Letters should be emailed directly to knipsak@auburn.edu by the writers.