Scholarship Programs
Three full scholarships (valued at $925) are available for a high school student to attend each session of Maryland Summer Jazz 2020. The winner will attend the four days of MSJ held at Saint Mark Presbyterian Church in Rockville: Session 1: July 15 – 18, 2020 OR Session 2: July 22 – 25, 2020. Applicants must be age 16 or older at the time of application. The scholarship application deadline is April 1, 2020. Please apply only once to be considered for all the scholarships. Those scheduled to graduate in 2020 are eligible.
This popular “boot camp” for jazz players features four days of adult-level, professional instruction from some of the country’s most gifted performers and teachers. Former students rate it as an excellent learning experience.
The application deadline is April 1, 2020. Announcement of the scholarship winners will be made by April 10, 2020. All applicants will receive the results by email. Results will also be posted on the Maryland Summer Jazz website.
Scholarship Philosophy
Our philosophy at Maryland Summer Jazz and with all our scholarship programs is to be inclusive, and to provide a fun opportunity for musical and personal growth. We want all people who are interested in learning jazz and improvisation to have that experience available and open to them.
We welcome ALL applicants, from All-State musicians to those who have never played jazz before and those who don’t play a “traditional” jazz instrument (i.e. bassoon, tuba, flute, cello etc.). Scholarship winners are chosen based on previous achievement, enthusiasm, financial need, stated goals, and evidence of untapped talent.
Scholarship Application Guidelines
1. Write a letter of one page or less indicating why you want to attend Maryland Summer Jazz. Include your name, school, instrument, mailing address and phone number, email address and details of your previous musical achievements.
2. Send an audio recording (CD, DVD, MP3, YouTube Link) of you playing and improvising over TWO songs, one of which must be a Bb or F blues (using an “Aebersold” type play along is acceptable).
Horn/Single Line Players – include both the melody of the song(s), and some soloing.
Bass players – include some walking bass lines as well as soloing.
Pianists and guitarists – include both comping and soloing on your recording.
Drummers– 1) Play a 12 measure blues (ie. the song “Tenor Madness,” or similar). Play 12 measures of time (as if playing behind the melody), solo for 12 measure, and then 12 more measures of time. Using an accompaniment track is fine. 2) Play a 16 measure bossa feel (ie. the song “Blue Bossa”). Play 16 measures of time (as if playing behind the melody), solo for 16 measure, and then 16 more measures of time. Using an accompaniment track is fine.
3. All applicants must include two letters of recommendation from people who know you, such as teachers, employers, clergy or family friends. The letters should address points such as financial need, work ethic, talent, etc.
4. Please apply only once to be considered for ALL of our scholarships.
Scholarship Deadline and Procedures
Please mail all letters and recordings together in one package to the address below, postmarked no later than April 1, 2020. Announcement of the winner will be made on April 10, 2020.
Jeff Antoniuk, Artistic Director
Maryland Summer Jazz
Scholarship Program
217A Bowie Ave
Annapolis, MD 21401