The Nora Candey Memorial Songwriting Scholarship was first established in 2021 after Nora’s passing in 2020. It took some time to publicize, and the first awards were granted in 2023. In 2024 and 2025, no appropriate applications were submitted. For 2026, we want to ensure the OBA community is aware that this scholarship remains available.
The purpose of the Scholarship is to aid anyone looking to further their development of original music and lyrics through classes, workshops, lessons, etc. The deadline for submissions is May 1st, 2026 with the award to be announced at the OBA Annual Meeting at the end of May.
Music keeps timeless themes relatable, even as the symbols and sensibilities that gave rise to the music may drift further away from our modern lives. Songwriting breaks hearts, builds worlds, empowers, and seeks the truth. If you have tried it, want to but aren’t sure where to start, or are already creating songs, this scholarship is for you. To create something that would never have existed if not for you is something to take pride in, even if no one ever knows.
Nora Candey was a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, fiber artist, and active member of the OBA. Its purpose and its people meant a great deal to her. This community changed her life. Finding a voice as a songwriter might change yours just a little bit, too.
You can hear some of Nora’s music at noracandey.bandcamp.com for free. Any proceeds go to further this grant.
