SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS general information
Thank you for your interest in the JAZZ AT THE BALLROOM scholarship. JAZZ AT THE BALLROOM is a California non-profit corporation dedicated to supporting jazz education in California and promoting the continuation of the jazz art form.
JAZZ AT THE BALLROOM promotes concerts featuring famous jazz musicians from all over the world in a variety of venues, primarily in California. As part of this mission, JAZZ AT THE BALLROOM has created a scholarship to support California student musicians. Three scholarships will be awarded to promising young jazz musicians in California for continuing their jazz music studies. Rules of the application process and eligibility rules are as follows:
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WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
The competition is open to high school jazz instrumentalists in California between the ages of 14-18. Applicants under 18 years of age must have an application submission approved by a parent or legal guardian.
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Applicants must be enrolled in a California High School.
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Applicants must complete a submission form, a personal statement, and include a recording (does not need to be a professional recording) as further described below. All submissions must be received by December 18, 2026 to be considered.
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Applicants must be legal residents of the United States or one of its official territories.
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ADDITIONAL RULES AND GUIDELINES
Recordings can be submitted in video form. More details about submission requirements is HERE
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Please include one paragraph explaining the applicant’s background in jazz, favorite artists and musical influences, future goals and plans in music and jazz study, and the use of the scholarship money (i.e. private jazz study, tuition for a jazz-focused music program, etc.)
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All submissions will become the property of Jazz at the Ballroom and will not be returned. All of the submission information will be subject to the JAZZ AT THE BALLROOM privacy policy. In submitting an application, applicants are agreeing to allow JAZZ AT THE BALLROOM to publicize applicant’s name, school, instrument played, and musical selections if applicant is selected as a finalist.
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Jazz trios and ensembles can be used as accompaniment. The recording submitted should include a brief introduction with your name, the piece you will be performing and the name(s) of the composer(s).
Only one application can be submitted per person.
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Three finalists will be picked by a panel of professional jazz musicians and awarded $500 each to further their music studies. In addition to the cash prize, all winners will be given the opportunity to play in two JATB performances in the coming calendar year. These paid events will give the students the opportunity to perform live in the community. The total value of the award is $1000.
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The panel will be looking at the following criteria in judging performances: musicality, melodic development and delivery, harmonic understanding, rhythmic feel, technical ability, improvisation clarity, creativity, and swing feel.
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The entire submission should be no more than 15 minutes long
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This scholarship is based solely on talent, skill, performance and interest in jazz showcased in the music and written submission. Neither academic performance nor financial need is considered.
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There is no fee to apply.
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The students that aren’t finalists will be invited to join a database of students invited to FREE workshops throughout the upcoming school year.
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​IMPORTANT DATES:
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August 2026 - Information and applications available
December 18, 2026 - Applications due
February 8, 2027 – Winners announced