Buster Payne Memorial Scholarship in Commercial Music

Virgil “Buster” Payne was born into a musical family and at an early age began playing fiddle, banjo, mandolin and ukulele. Over his lifetime, he performed with a number of musical groups throughout Eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle, playing fiddle in the style of Bob Wills. This scholarship program was established by his family and friends to assist a student majoring in commercial music. Minimum qualifications include: 2.50 grade point average; full-time enrollment (12 semester hours or more); demonstrated musical talent through audition; and U.S. citizen or permanent resident.