James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey

The James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey, is a $10,000 prize, offered annually to an outstanding high school senior who embodies the qualities expressed by the NEA Jazz Master through his life and works—musicianship, creativity, leadership and community involvement.

This scholarship would be an immense source of pride for my husband. He often fondly recalled growing up in Newark. He was always thrilled when he could provide aspiring musicians with the resources he never had. Moody’s enormous presence will always be with us.” Linda Moody

One portion of the scholarship application is a student essay answering the question, “How has jazz changed your life and how can you use it to make a positive contribution to your community?” Applicants are also required to submit videos of themselves playing two jazz tunes from a specified selection of songs. The panel of judges includes Linda Moody, along with musician-educators Christian McBride, Renee Rosnes, Mark Gross, and Nathan Eklund. We’re grateful for the aid of the Community Foundation of New Jersey in administering the scholarship.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION DETAILS

All materials must be submitted electronically via email to: scholarship@jazzhousekids.org by April 30. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Each submission must include an electronic copy of:

• Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA
• College Letter of Acceptance
• Financial aid letter from the college attending in fall
• Official high school transcript
• One letter of recommendation from a current music teacher
• Contact information (name, telephone, email) for two personal references
• A short essay (300 words) on the subject “How has jazz changed your life and how can you use it to make a positive contribution to your community?”
• Proof of community service (for example, a letter from a supervisor or volunteer coordinator)
• Applicants must also submit a link to a YouTube video performance of two of the selections listed below. Each video should be no longer than 3-4 minutes in duration. From the tune list below, applicants are required to play “Billie’s Bounce,” plus one additional tune from the selections. Students should play the melody followed by two improvised choruses on a standard or three on the blues, followed by the melody out. Learn about uploading the video at https://support. google.com/YouTube

RECORDING REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS

Required: “Billie’s Bounce” (key: F)

Backing Track: Jamey Aebersold Volume 6 “All Bird”

Choose one additional tune from these selections:

There Will Never Be Another You” (key: Eb)

Backing Track: Jamey Aebersold Volume 44 “Autumn Leaves”

Lady Bird (key: C)

Backing Track: Jamey Aebersold Volume 36 “Bebop and Beyond”

All The Things You Are” (key: Ab)

Backing Track: Jamey Aebersold Volume 43 “Groovin’ High”

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

• GPA of 2.5 or higher strongly preferred
• Graduating senior in the State of New Jersey
• Strong musical aptitude
• Student will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies at a college/university within the U.S.
• Demonstrates financial need; must supply a FASFA
• SCHOLARSHIP AWARD $5,000 + Professional Level Instrument
• $5,000 (lump sum) award is paid directly to the awardee’s chosen college or university
• Professional level Instrument, donated by R.S. Berkeley Musical Instruments
• Non-renewable, one-time per student