BLACK AMERICAN MUSIC
SCHOLARSHIP
CAJ Black American Music Scholarship
CAJ Black American Music Scholarship
Jazz is a profound Black American art form that has inspired individuals from diverse races, cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and nationalities to dedicate themselves to its performance and growth. In alignment with CAJ's mission to promote jazz education and performance across California, the CAJ Black American Music Scholarship is designed to support Black American students in their journey to further study jazz. This scholarship can be applied toward a range of artistic development activities, including the purchase of equipment, private lessons, camp or workshop tuition, and more.
How to Apply:
1. Complete the CAJ-BAM Scholarship via this FORM
2. Submit a personal essay describing your musical background, goals, and intended use of scholarship. Minimum of 300 words, and no more than 700.
3. Upload audio/video recording (under 5-minutes in length) performing a jazz selection.
4. Provide a Letter of Recommendation from a music educator.
Application Deadline: Due April 15.
Award: $500 - $1000
Eligibility: Applicants must be under the age of 21, of Black American descent, currently enrolled in a music program or private music lessons, and reside primarily in California.
Review & Award Process: Applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed by a committee of CAJ board members at the end of April. Awardee(s) will be notified the second week of June.
BAM Scholarship Winner 2024
Mason Head
Mason Head, a 17-year-old trumpet player from the Sacramento area, is deeply passionate about jazz and music production. As the lead trumpet for Folsom High School's Jazz Band 1 (Class of 2025), Mason showcases his exceptional talent. He creates original music projects and collaborates with local artists using FL Studio and Logic Pro. A rising star in the jazz community, he earned a spot in the 2025 CASMEC All-State Jazz Band and actively performs with the Sacramento Youth Symphony. Mason is also preparing for auditions to join the prestigious "Jazz Ambassadors" program at the University of the Pacific. Under the mentorship of Grammy-nominated trumpet virtuoso Mike Rocha, he has refined his technique, gaining recognition for his musicality and technical skill in various jazz festivals and competitions.
BAM Scholarship Winner 2023
Kazeem Elebute
Kazeem Elebute is a young rising jazz trombonist from Oakland, CA. Graduating from Oakland Technical High School in 2023, Kazeem is a well-known and respected musician across the Bay Area. He can be found performing with various groups ranging from straight ahead, to bluegrass, to Brazilian choro, and much more Kazeem is an experienced and cultured artist. His awards include the SFJAZZ Education Award, Charles Mingus Award to The New School, California HS All-State Jazz Band, and the National Youth Orchestra - Jazz under direction Sean Jones including a stellar performance at Carnegie Hall and a European tour. Kazeem now attends the Thornton School of Music at The University of Southern California pursuing Jazz Studies and Music Production. His compositions and live performances can be found on YouTube.
