SCHOLARSHIPS

Award Criteria

• Applications will be accepted from students who are currently enrolled in a college degree program for vocal jazz performance; or from graduating high school seniors with declared intentions to matriculate into a college vocal jazz program.
• Applicants should display exceptional talent and potential in jazz performance and/or education or industry. They should demonstrate potential for growth, artistic accomplishments, and leadership skills.
• Applicants should demonstrate financial need related to college tuition and/or school-related expenses via narrative paragraph -or- Federal Pell Grant eligibility (EFC).
• Recipients will be accountable for how their scholarship award is applied with reporting back to JEN and Funders.
• Demonstrate a high level of self-motivation and the ability to apply experience and knowledge to their performance.

Award Process

• Applications and audition submissions will be adjudicated by a diverse, relevant expert panel of JEN member and affiliated representatives.
• Applications will open January 1 and close April 15. Review & Adjudication Jury will deliberate during the month of April and the award recipients are announced in May.

Scholarship Award Details

• One recipient will receive:
  • $1,000 USD financial award
  • 3 private lessons (2 hours each) with Dr. Dee Daniels arranged either in person or through digital platforms
  • Opportunity to be mentored by JEN-selected professional vocalists while attending a JEN Conference – with avenues to expand their jazz vocal skills, knowledge, and practical experience through attending clinics, having private lessons, and shadowing JEN-selected vocal artists. A private lesson and shadowing with Dr. Daniels will be included whenever she attends the Conference.
• 1-year JEN Membership with full benefits.
• All applicants will receive feedback and evaluation of their submissions.

Application Submission Requirements

• If the applicant is under the age of 18 (at the time of the application), a letter of consent from a parent or legal guardian is required.
• Letter of recommendation from school music director, professional jazz artist, or accredited jazz music industry professional.
• Be a high school, college, or university student who is currently active in a vocal jazz performance program.
• A short biography of 200 words or less
• Current high-res photo
• Short written resumé of musical experiences, including any special recognition (i.e. honor choir, awards, special performances, etc.).
• A short written statement of professional intent of 300 words or less, describing your musical plans and how this scholarship will further your goals.
• Submit three individual digital video recordings (each song should be on a separate video, do not put all three songs on one video). Please include the following in the following order:
  • A jazz ballad (first 8 bars a cappella; the rest performed with instrumental accompaniment).
  • A medium or up-tempo swing tune.
  • A bebop, blues or latin (e.g. bossa nova, samba, rhumba) tune.
    • Improvisation (scatting) is encouraged on at least one of the pieces.
    • Your music should come from the appropriate repertoire. Use of a Standards Real Book or Standards Fake Book is acceptable.
    • Original compositions within the jazz genre are also acceptable.
    • All audition submissions must be memorized and performed without the use of sheet music.

Accompaniment Requirements

• Accompaniment is limited to piano or guitar.
• You may accompany yourself (on piano or guitar) keeping in mind only the vocals are being adjudicated.
• Make sure the level of your accompaniment does not overpower the sound of your voice in the recording.

Guidelines for Videotaping Your Audition
Video from any camera, mobile device, or computer is suitable under the following guidelines.

• Leave the camera in one location. Shoot the vocalist straight on.
• Be sure your image is clear and well–lit. Judges should be able to see your face clearly.
• The camera should be set at a distance to frame your face and body clearly.
• Check for good balance and blend. Please ensure the balance between accompaniment and voice is appropriate.

Evaluation Criteria

• Professional Aspirations
  • Statement of professional intent, biography, and resumé of experiences will be considered in context of the recorded audition videos.
• Audition
  • Presentation.
  • Tone Production — the ability to achieve a quality of sound appropriate to the type of voice and to the style of the music.
  • Technique — the degree to which the performer has acquired control of the voice.
  • Diction — accurate pronunciation and clear articulation.
  • Intonation — singing in tune.
  • Interpretation — the ability to accurately express a clear understanding of the lyrics of each song. The method of expression is the recipient’s choice and/or creation.
  • Phrasing — sensitivity to the need for phrasing and the ability to execute it.
  • Timing.