CAJ Black American Music Scholarship

 CAJ is an organization created to promote jazz education and performance throughout the state. We teach, promote, and believe jazz is an African American art form that has inspired people of all races, cultures, and nationalities to dedicate their lives to its performance and development.  Since its earliest days, this Black American Music, borne from slavery, has served as the soundtrack to movements for equality and justice and continues to do so today. Considered by some to be less significant when compared to its classical counterpart, Black American Music has, in fact, defined American Culture. CAJ chooses to take action in fighting racism through music.

• This BAM Jazz Scholarship is one of the ways CAJ will be acting on our BLM mission statement.

• Recipients may use this award for activities or materials to aid their artistic development such as equipment, private lessons, or summer camp costs.

• Review and selection of applicants will be completed by a special committee comprised of current CAJ Board Members.

How to Apply:

To apply for this scholarship, applicants must fill out an application that includes a one-to-two-page written essay describing your musical background and goals, an audio/video recording under 5-minutes in the length of a jazz selection that features you, and a letter of recommendation from a music educator.

Application Deadline: Due April 15, Awardee(s) will be notified by June.

Award: $500 - $1000  

Eligibility:

Open to any young musician under the age of 21 who identifies as African American and plays Jazz.

Application Checklist:

1.     Complete the CAJ-BLM Scholarship GOOGLE FORM

2.     Submit a 1 -2 page personal essay describing your musical background & goals

3.     Upload audio/video recording (under 5-minutes in length) performing a jazz selection

4.     Provide a Letter of Recommendation from a music educator