James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey
Scholarship Sponsored by James Moody
Intro
The James Moody Jazz Scholarship — New Jersey honors the legacy of NEA Jazz Master James Moody with a $10,000 award presented each year to an exceptional high school senior from New Jersey. The scholarship seeks a student who reflects the qualities Moody demonstrated throughout his career: outstanding musicianship, imaginative creativity, leadership, and active engagement in their community.
Eligibility
- Open to high school seniors in New Jersey
- Selection emphasizes musical excellence, creativity, leadership, and community involvement
Application requirements
- A written response to the prompt: “How has jazz changed your life and how can you use it to make a positive contribution to your community?”
- Two video performances: the applicant must submit recordings of themselves performing two jazz pieces chosen from a provided list of songs
Selection process and administration
A panel of judges that includes Linda Moody and musician-educators Christian McBride, Renee Rosnes, Mark Gross, and Nathan Eklund evaluates applicants. The Community Foundation of New Jersey assists with administering the scholarship.
From Linda Moody
Linda Moody has said the scholarship would have meant a great deal to her husband, who cherished his Newark roots and took joy in helping young musicians access opportunities he did not have. She adds that his powerful influence endures.