Scholarships and Grants: Jazz
The ASCAP Foundation Louis Armstrong Scholarship at Queens College
Underwritten by an endowment from the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, this scholarship is presented annually to a jazz composition student. The recipient must be a matriculated student at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College/City University of New York. ASCAP member Louis Armstrong, who lived in Queens for decades, had strong ties to Queens College.
The ASCAP Foundation Louis Armstrong Scholarship at the University of New Orleans
This scholarship, named in honor of the great Louis Armstrong, is funded by The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation. It provides a talented jazz composer who has limited financial resources the opportunity to study music in a formal academic environment. The student is selected by the music faculty at the University of New Orleans.
The ASCAP Foundation Fran Morgenstern Davis Scholarships
These scholarships, named in memory of Jay and Joan Morgenstern’s daughter, Fran, are presented annually to two full-time undergraduate music students at the Manhattan School of Music in jazz composition and musical theatre. Each recipient must demonstrate the potential to produce creative and original work and also demonstrate financial need.
BMI Future Jazz Master Scholarship
The award was established by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) in 2015 in honor of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Masters Fellowship, a lifetime achievement distinction widely considered to be jazz music’s premier accolade, and pays tribute to the artistic excellence of jazz pioneers while providing crucial support for emerging performers. A panel of NEA Jazz Master judges selects the winner based on evidence of talent and potential as a jazz performer and composer, and the $5,000 scholarship is presented at BMI’s annual celebration of NEA Jazz Masters Fellows. Past judges include jazz legends Ahmad Jamal, Jack DeJohnette, Jimmy Heath, and Ron Carter.
BMI Foundation Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize
This prize is awarded annually to the best new work created in the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop and is named for the jazz legand, Charlie Parker. The winner is chosen by a distinguished panel of judges at the annual workshop showcase concert, held each year in New York City. Included in the prize is a $3,000 commission to write a new work to be premiered at the following year’s showcase concert.
Sigma Alpha Iota Jazz Performance Awards
This scholarship is only offered every three years. Prizes of $2000 (winner) and $1500 (runner-up) are offered to college initiated members of SAI enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs in jazz studies or performance. Winners perform at National Convention. Applications will be available in the Convention year.
