December 16, 2026

Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarship

Direct application

$500
3 winners

Eligibility

Location
United States
Education level
High school
Activities
Instrumental Music
Age
Age 14-18

About this scholarship

High school jazz instrumentalists ages 14 to 18 enrolled in a California high school program who are legal U.S. residents or territorial residents may apply.

Three $500 cash awards are given to further jazz education. Winners are also hired for paid performances at Jazz at the Ballroom events throughout the year.

Complete the entry form, submit a personal statement on your passion for jazz, and include a recording of your performance (two audition pieces: one ballad and one contrasting piece). Professional recording quality is not required.

Essay question

What else to submit

  • Completed entry or submission form
  • Paragraph personal statement addressing jazz background, influences, future music and jazz-study goals, and planned use of scholarship funds
  • Audio or video recording of two audition pieces: one ballad and one contrasting piece, including a brief spoken introduction and totaling no more than 15 minutes
  • Open to high school jazz instrumentalists in California, ages 14-18, enrolled in a California high school
  • Applicants under 18 require a parent/legal guardian signature/approval
  • Must be a legal U.S. resident or resident of an official U.S. territory
  • Audio or video recording of two audition pieces: one ballad and one contrasting piece; recording must include a brief spoken intro (name, piece, composer(s)); entire submission no more than 15 minutes
  • Completed entry/submission form (name, address, city/zip, phone, email, age, school, instrument, names of songs submitted)
  • One application per person; no application fee; deadline December 19, 2025; submit to scholarship@jazzattheballroom.com
  • Judged solely on talent/skill/performance and interest in jazz (no academic performance or financial need considered)
  • Applicants under age 18 require parent or legal-guardian signature or approval.
  • One application per person; no application fee.
  • Professional recording quality is not required.
  • Winners are hired for paid Jazz at the Ballroom performances.