Nomination Guidelines for the Jazz Career Advancement Award 2025
The Musical Fund of Philadelphia is now accepting nominations for its inaugural Jazz Career Advancement Award, to be presented in April 2025.
This award reflects the Society’s growing appreciation for the dynamic interplay between musical genres and its steadfast commitment to supporting the flourishing careers of emerging jazz artists. The winner of the award will receive a stipend of $5000.
The general guidelines for nomination are as follows:
- The nominee should be under the age of 40.
- The nominee should be at least one of the following: a Philadelphia area native; someone who has studied in Philadelphia; or someone who lives and bases their career in Philadelphia.
- The nominee should be an emerging talent (currently-enrolled students are not eligible). The intent of the award is to provide a boost in credibility and visibility for an accomplished young jazz artist who is poised to take their career to the next level of professional achievement and broader recognition.
- A high level of proficiency in traditional jazz, coupled with artistry and creative vision is paramount. Work samples should reflect the nominee’s virtuosity, passion, expressivity, and originality in performance, composition, and arranging.
- Leadership, both as a band leader and as an influential voice within the musical community, is of utmost importance.
Each nomination should be for a single individual. Should you wish to nominate more than one candidate, please complete a separate nomination for each. There is no limit to the number you may submit. Nominators may choose, but are not required, to mentor the nominees in the application process. The identity of nominators will remain confidential unless otherwise requested.
Note that jazz award nominees may NOT submit their own application; applications may only be submitted by nominators.
We request 2 – 3 contrasting work samples, which can be provided as links to public or private video or audio recordings on such sites as YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud and so on. While links are preferred, you may also upload files directly.
The deadline for submission of applications by nominators is April 1, 2025. A distinguished panel of jazz community leaders will review the nominees and select the award recipient, who will be notified by late April. The awardee will be invited to accept the award in person, if possible, at the Society’s Spring Celebration on May 20 in Philadelphia.
Click here to submit your nominations and supporting materials by April 1, 2025! Should you have any questions, please email us at: info@musicalfundsociety.org.
Sincerely,
Linda Reichert
Chair, Jazz Career Advancement Award Committee
President, The Musical Fund Society Foundation
Adrian Rosas
Co-Chair, Membership Committee
Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia