Scholarships
JEN’s scholarship program has been in existence since the organization’s first year and remains an important benefit to the members and students we serve.
Each year, we proudly recognize talented, hardworking, aspiring students with a passion for jazz. We also offer a number of additional programs that help fund and support jazz education.
who can apply
JEN Members
Nominate yourself or a peer for a scholarship or award!
JEN Chapter & Community Members
Applications Closed
JEN Full Individual Members
Applications Closed
1
JOIN/RENEW JEN
2
Student Scholarship Application
Application Timeline
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Submission Criteria
Submit ONE application for all applicable scholarships.
- JANUARY 1 – Application Forms and Criteria are available online until closed for the various scholarships and awards.
- MARCH 31 – Application and additional support materials to all programs.
- MAY 1 – Notification to recipients as applicable.
- Outstanding high school or university students, ages 14 and UP, who in the opinion of his/her peers and instructors, displays an exceptional talent and potential in jazz performance and/or education or industry
- Demonstrates potential for growth, artistic accomplishments and leadership skills
- University students should demonstrate financial need related to college tuition and/or school related expenses.
- High School students should use the scholarship award as tuition to attend either a summer jazz camp or college tuition and/or school related expenses.
- Must participate in a jazz class or ensemble during the school year.
NOTE: Please have all information needed prepared prior to submitting an application.
- Self-Nomination and/or recommendation by a current JEN member may be submitted online with required support materials.
- Narrative describing how the nominee meets the eligibility criteria.
- The nominee’s address, phone number(s) and email address are required data.
- Three to five letters of support and a short biography may be uploaded as a unit to JEN at a later date, including one support letter from your Jazz Program/Ensemble.
Student Scholarships
Application Deadline March 31
JEN offers a variety of scholarships for full-time high school and college students.
Submit one application
Only one application is needed to be considered for any of the scholarships applicable to a candidate’s qualifications.
Scholarships will be awarded May 1
JEN Member Students and JEN Member teachers of students are encouraged to click the appropriate tab to self-nominate or nominate a candidate for a particular scholarship. The committee will consider the student in all areas that are applicable.
scholarships
$3,000 - University Student - The David Baker Scholarship
The David Baker Scholarship
Established 2010 by Jamey Aebersold to honor the contributions of NEA Jazz Master/Educator and LeJENd of Jazz Education, David Baker, this award recognizes a university student who demonstrates talent, spirit, and commitment to the field of jazz studies.
Award
$3,000 scholarship + 1 year eJEN membership + Certificate
Application Deadline March 31
Past Award Recipients
- 2021 – Domi Edson, University of Northern Colorado (Denver)
- 2020 – Solomon Abang, University of Louisiana (Monroe)
- 2019 – Rashaad Greene, University of Masschusetts (Amherst)
- 2018 – Kyle Schardt, Indiana University
- 2017 – Crystal Rebone, University of Illinois School of Music
- 2016 – Chang Su – University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO
- 2015 – Tyler Lindsay, Loyola University, New Orleans, LA
- 2014 – Brian Claxton, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO
- 2013 – Josh Roberts, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- 2012 – Alex Liu Macias & Jamaal Baptiste, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- 2011 – Daniel Lorrain, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
- 2010 – Justin Young, University of Missouri-St. Louis, MO
$1000 - University Student - The Jamey Aebersold Endowed Scholarship
The Jamey Aebersold Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2019 to honor the contributions of NEA Jazz Master/Educator and LeJENd of Jazz Education, Jamey Aebersold, this award recognizes a university student who demonstrates a passion for jazz education.
Award
$1,000 scholarship + 1 year eJEN membership + Certificate
Application Deadline March 31
Award Recipients
- 2020 – Marc Schwartz, University of Northern Colorado
- 2019 – Chris Glassman, Michigan State University
$1,000 - University Student - The Hal Leonard Collegiate Scholarship
The Hal Leonard Collegiate Scholarship
Established in 2011 in partnership with the Hal Leonard Corporation, a JEN Founding Corporate Partner, this award supports a deserving university student entering or continuing their collegiate jazz studies.
Award
$1,000 scholarship + 1 year eJEN membership + Certificate
Application deadline March 31
$1,000 annual award /1 year eJEN membership/Certificate in support to a deserving university student entering or continuing their collegiate jazz studies.
- 2020 – Naomi Nakanishi, Eastman School of Music
- 2019 – Takumi Kakimoto, Berklee College of Music
- 2018 – Maya Stepansky, Brubeck Institute Fellow
- 2017 – Tanner Guss, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- 2016 – Allison Philips, University of Amsterdam, Holland
- 2015 – Matt Rigger, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- 2014 – Gibran Khan, University of Northern Colorado , Greeley, CO
- 2013 – Kelly Garner, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
- 2012 – Kathleen Hollingsworth, University of Miami, COral Gables, FL
- 2011 – Billy Wolfe, DePaul University, Chicago, IL
$1,000 - University Student Female - The Mary Jo Papich JEN Co-Founder Women in Jazz Scholarship
The Mary Jo Papich JEN Co-Founder Women in Jazz Scholarship
Established and funded in 2010 by Mary Jo Papich to honor Women in Jazz at the university level, and currently funded by the JEN Education Fund, this award honors a female jazz student who is positively contributing to the jazz industry.
Award
$1,000 scholarship + 1 year eJEN membership + Certificate
Application deadline March 31
Past Award Recipients
- 2021 – Yvonne Rogers, Eastman School of Music
- 2020 – Cami Mennitte Pereyra, Indiana University
- 2019 – Lauryn Gould, Texas State University
- 2018 – Alexandria DeWalt, University of Miami
- 2017 – Amanda Ekery, New England Conservatory
- 2016 – Amaya Bickmore – Brigham Young University, UT
- 2015 – Kristin Sponcia, University of Illinois, Champagne-Urbana, IL
- 2014 – Alexa Tarantino, Eastman School of Music, NY
- 2013 – Caitlin Bryant, Grove City College, PA
- 2012 – Erika Matson, DePauw University, IN
- 2011 – Megan Tengel, University of New Orleans, LA
- 2010 – Kim Aubuchon, University of Missouri-St. Louis, MO
$1,000 - High School Student - The Dr. Lou Fischer JEN Co-Founder Scholarship
The Dr. Lou Fischer JEN Co-Founder Scholarship
Established in 2012 by the JEN Board and funded through the JEN Education Fund, this award honors a high school jazz student who is positively contributing to the jazz industry.
Award
$1,000 scholarship + 1 year eJEN membership + Certificate
Application deadline March 31
Past Award Recipients
- 2021 – Brooke Lambert, Roosevelt High School, Seattle, WA
- 2020 – Gabriel Severn, Loyalsock Township High School, Williamsport, PA
- 2019 – Juliette Gardiner, Grayslake North High School
- 2018 – Joshua Catania, KM School for Arts & Performance
- 2017 – Gabi Basile, Brownell Talbot Prep, Omaha, NE
- 2016 – Tyler Webb, UT
- 2015 – Max Holm, Park City High School, Park City, UT
- 2014 – Christopher Parker, Bloomington High School North, Bloomington, IN
- 2013 – Laila Smith, San Jose, CA
- 2012 – Price McGuffey, Youth Performing Arts School, DuPont Manual High School, Louisville, KY
- 2012 – Jordan Egland Smith, Oldham County High School, Buckner, KY
$1,000 - High School Student Bassist - The Mary Ann Fischer Scholarship Award
The Mary Ann Fischer Scholarship Award
Established in 2016 by Dr. Lou Fischer to honor the contributions of Mary Ann Fischer who has volunteered her spirit, talent, and continuous commitment to JEN since inception.
This award will be presented to a deserving high school student bassist entering their collegiate jazz studies the following year.
Award
$1,000 scholarship + 1 year eJEN membership + Certificate
Application deadline March 31
Past Award Recipients
- 2021 – Joaquín Eaton Sharon
- 2020 – Vivian Shanley, George Washington High School, Cedar Rapids, IA
- 2019 – Priscilla Corpus, MacArthur High School
- 2018 – Hannah Shoemaker, Christopher Newport University
- 2017 – David Bredthauer, Brownell Talbot Prep, Omaha, NE
2021 Scholarship Recipients
DAVID BAKER SCHOLARSHIP
Domi Edson
Domi Edson aims to become a strong female role model for up-and-coming jazz musicians through performance and teaching. Notable performances include playing on Seattle radio station KNKX, performing at the 2019 JEN conference with CWU Jazz Band 1, performing at Denver jazz clubs Nocturne and Dazzle, and performing with the 2020 Sisters in Jazz Combo.
As a current member of UNC’s Lab Band I and Vanguard Combo, Domi is continuing to refine her performance skills and grow as a musician. As a teaching assistant at UNCO, she direct a jazz combo, assists in a big band, and teaches private lessons. She has also been able to work with the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts as a clinician, both in their high school and middle school combos, and as a faculty member for their SheBop Young Women in Jazz Workshop.
Domi is committed to promoting jazz education at the university level, having served as president of CWU’s JEN Chapter, and currently serving as vice president of UNCO’s JEN chapter.
MARY JO PAPICH WOMEN IN JAZZ SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Yvonne Rogers
Yvonne Rogers is a pianist and composer from Penobscot, Maine. She is a senior at the Eastman School of Music, studying Jazz Performance in the studio of Gary Versace. Concurrently, she is pursuing a degree in African and African American Studies at the University of Rochester.
During her college career, Yvonne has made Dean’s list every semester. She has performed at the Rochester International Jazz Festival as a winner of the Rochester International Jazz Festival Scholarship. She has performed with various ensembles at Eastman, as well as regularly performing her original music for trio and quartet. In 2018, Yvonne was selected as a mentee for the Women in Jazz Organization’s Mentorship Program, during which she worked with Rachel Z. Hakim. She has also been selected to participate in the 2020 season WIJO Mentors. In February, Yvonne was honored to be awarded the prestigious Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award. Additionally, she was thrilled to be accepted to the 2020 Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music.
JAMEY AEBERSOLD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Anabella Johnson
Anabella “Bell” Thompson is a vibrant young trumpet player and bandleader based out of Philadelphia, PA. Bell’s melodic and expressive trumpet playing embraces the jazz tradition while showcasing her clear sound and unique voice.
Raised in Seattle, WA, Bell began playing trumpet at age nine, her first trumpet teacher, Owuor Arunga, of the band Macklemore. Bell attended Seattle’s award-winning Garfield High School jazz program, under the direction of Clarence Acox in addition to studying with many great teachers, including Samantha Boshnack, Jay Thomas, and Wayne Horvitz. Bell is currently a student of Terell Stafford’s, as part Boyer College of Music’s Jazz Performance program at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.
As a bandleader, Bell has been featured on KNKX Radio’s live studio sessions with her all-female “10 O’Clock Quartet”, as well as her quintet, “5 Feet Up”. As an advocate for young women in jazz, Bell was interviewed for the article Generation Next: Four Voices From Seattle, by Paul Rauch; in AllAboutJazz.com, and featured in the documentary In Her Hands, produced and directed by Kay D. Ray.
DR. LOU FISCHER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Brooke Lambert
Brooke Lambert, a senior at Seattle’s Roosevelt High School, studies vocal jazz with Greta Matassa, and recently performed at DeMiero Jazz Festival as the 2020 recipient of the Dee Daniels Vocal Jazz Scholarship. She also earned recognition as a 2020 National YoungArts Foundation Merit winner in Voice/Jazz and as DownBeat Magazine’s Student Music Awards Vocal Jazz Soloist winner for the high school division (2020 and 2019). She was a co-winner of this same award in 2018 and winner of the junior high school division in 2017. She attended Michael Feinstein’s 2018 Songbook Academy® as a top 40 finalist.
In late 2019, Brooke was invited to sing with Seattle JazzEd’s Ellington Ensemble, which earned a spot as a 2020 finalist for the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival. Brooke’s performance there was recognized for Outstanding Vocals.
Brooke also performs with Roosevelt’s Vocal Jazz (lead soprano) and Symphony Orchestra (principal flute) and with Seattle JazzEd’s Girls Ellington Project (jazz voice, flute, alto sax) — the first all-girl band to place in a major national competition. Under the direction of Kelly Clingan, Brooke is an enthusiastic #jazzgirl and helps encourage female players to learn and play jazz.
MARY ANN FISCHER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Joaquín Eaton Sharon
Joaquín Eaton Sharon is a young Latino bassist, who loves jazz, music, art, and activism, and wants to share his passion with the world. Joaquin has lived in many places, from New York, to Rural Thailand, to Bogota Colombia, to Southern California, and this wide world view has shaped the way that he plays music, and that he lives his life. He plays knowing that the jazz scene that we live in today may very well not exist in the near future, due to the precarious nature of our world, and he wants to be at the forefront of evolving the jazz scene to meet the problems that it will continue to face.
Joaquin has studied music at the Idyllwild Arts Academy under Marshall Hawkins and Paul Carman, and elsewhere under Victor Wooten, Steve Bailey, Anthony Jackson, Gilbert Castellanos, to name a few.
Grants
JAZZ2U Grant
Thanks to a generous donation by the Herb Alpert Foundation, this popular re-grant program helps members pay for the services of performers or clinicians in local events.
EFCF/JEN Research Fellowship
The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation/JEN Research Fellowship is intended to provide opportunities for a serious educator/student/music historian (such as senior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students) to conduct a directed research Project associated with the archival collections at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
Application deadline September 15th