Before coming to this school…we thought that our cultural music was created by the devil. Now more songs using our heart language, music, culture, and dance have come to our minds. [Our culture] needs to be redeemed from the lies into the truth of God. Thank you!Rafael and Bertilia
1. Who was Tom Avery?
2. Who benefits from the scholarship fund?
3. How can I apply for a scholarship?
4. How can I support the scholarship fund?
1. Who was Tom Avery?
Dr. Tom Avery (1949-2008):
- Pioneer for ethnomusicology in missions (worked with the Canela in Brazil)
- Served as SIL’s first International Ethnomusicology Coordinator
- Began building the ethnoarts study program at GIAL (later changed to Dallas Int'l University).
- Helped found the Global Consultation on Music and Missions (GCoMM)
For more on Tom Avery’s life and work, please see the Tribute to Dr. Tom Avery in the GEN library.
GEN is privileged to partner with the Avery family in the formation of a special scholarship fund to honor the memory of this beloved leader in ethnoarts. Please join us in continuing Tom’s legacy by helping nationals get the training they are seeking!
2. Who benefits from the scholarship fund?
Scholarships facilitate training and development in ethnodoxology for people from underserved communities.
Approved ethnoarts/ethnodoxology training and development opportunities include:
- Dallas International University World Arts program (preference given to intensives)
- Payap
- any Arts for a Better Future workshop
- GCoMM
The scholarship committee will consider requests for other ventures.
Please note that priority will be given to defraying tuition and material costs before room/board or transportation.
This has been an inspiration for me to be creative in music and teaching and to pursue serving God not just in the context of the church but in the community as well.Rocelyn
3. How can I apply for a scholarship?
- Determine whether your request qualifies by reviewing the information under “Who benefits from the scholarship fund?”
- Please note that preference will be given to those applicants who can provide a reference from a current GEN member.
- Complete the scholarship application and email to arts@sil.org
4. How can I support the scholarship fund?
- Pray for the people receiving financial assistance, and for fruit on their ministries.
- Give online or by check. If sending a check, be sure to include "Avery Scholarship" on the memo line.
- Contact info@worldofworship.org for information on sponsoring a specific student.
Thank you for contributing! Your gift of prayer and/or finances will encourage many. GEN is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your monetary gift is tax deductible; we will provide a receipt.
Thank you for helping me have this opportunity to study. The week on ethnomusicology was something new for me, and I feel like the tools that I have acquired are going to serve in my ministry with indigenous people.Alex Cabezon
The Avery scholarship…is having a profound impact in how we see God’s Kingdom and His work through His children… It opened our eyes wide to the vast possibilities of showing God’s love to indigenous people groups.Junn and Anne Esteban
From $5 to $5,000, we’re grateful for your partnership.
As you’re able, please invest in the Kingdom by helping Christians from underserved communities attend workshops, short courses, conferences, and other venues for further training. If you have been particularly blessed financially, please consider blessing our ethnoarts friends liberally in return.