James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey
Scholarship Sponsored by James Moody
The James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey recognizes an exceptional high school senior each year with a prize valued at $10,000. The award honors the spirit of NEA Jazz Master James Moody—celebrating musicianship, creativity, leadership, and community service.
As Linda Moody has said of the scholarship’s importance: he took great pride in his Newark roots and delighted in helping young musicians access opportunities he did not have. “Moody’s enormous presence will always be with us,” she recalls.
Application overview
- Essay prompt: Applicants must submit a short written piece (300 words) responding to: “How has jazz changed your life and how can you use it to make a positive contribution to your community?”
- Performance requirement: Provide a YouTube link showing you perform two selections from the repertoire list below (see “Recording Repertoire Requirements”). Each video should be no longer than 3–4 minutes. On each tune play the melody, then two improvised choruses for standards (or three choruses for blues), and close with the melody.
- Judging panel: Linda Moody and musician-educators Christian McBride, Renee Rosnes, Mark Gross, and Nathan Eklund.
- Administration: The Community Foundation of New Jersey assists with scholarship administration.
Submission instructions
- All application materials must be sent electronically by the April deadline to: scholarship@jazzhousekids.org.
- Applications that are incomplete or received after the deadline will not be considered.
- For guidance on uploading videos, applicants may consult: https://support.google.com/YouTube
Required application materials (electronic copies)
1. Student Aid Report (SAR) generated from your FAFSA
2. Official college acceptance letter
3. Financial aid award letter from the college you will attend in the fall
4. Official high school transcript
5. One letter of recommendation from your current music teacher
6. Contact information (name, phone, email) for two personal references
7. Short essay (300 words) answering: “How has jazz changed your life and how can you use it to make a positive contribution to your community?”
8. Documentation of community service (for example, a letter from a supervisor or volunteer coordinator)
9. Link to YouTube performance(s) of the two required selections (see recording requirements). Each video should not exceed 3–4 minutes.
Recording repertoire requirements
- Required tune: “Billie’s Bounce” — key: F
- Recommended backing track: Jamey Aebersold, Volume 6, All Bird
- Choose one additional tune from the following:
- “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
Eligibility criteria
- Strong musical aptitude; demonstrated commitment to jazz
- Graduating high school senior residing in the State of New Jersey
- Intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies at a college or university in the United States
- Demonstrated financial need (FAFSA required)
- GPA of 2.5 or higher is strongly preferred
Scholarship award details
- Total award valued at $10,000, comprised of:
- $5,000 paid as a one-time lump sum directly to the recipient’s chosen college or university
- A professional-level instrument donated by R.S. Berkeley Musical Instruments
- Non-renewable; one-time award per student
Questions about the application may be directed to scholarship@jazzhousekids.org.