2025 SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION INFORMATION

Jazz Unlimited of Greater Milwaukee offers scholarships to deserving high school and pre-high school jazz musicians.  Musicians MUST be in high school or pre-high school in the year the competition is held.

$11,000 in scholarships (16 individual awards!) were given out in 2024!  (See 2024 Scholarship Winners page for last year's awards and winners).  We hope to award up to another $11,000 in 2025!

The 2025 Competition will be held Sunday, March 16, 2025 at Classic Lanes Oak Creek, 7501 South Howell Street, Oak Creek, WI, beginning at 1:00 p.m.  classiclanesoakcreek.com

Here is the link to our online application!  2025 JU Scholarship Competition Application Form

The 2025 entry deadline will be midnight Friday, March 14, 2025. 

Award winners are encouraged to use the Scholarship Money for jazz-related activities (jazz camps, lessons, Instruments, etc.). Awards are presented at the conclusion of the competition or mailed to the winners.

All of those who compete will be invited to perform at JU's Monthly Jazz Jam Sunday, April 27, 2025, held at Mezcalero Restaurant, 6869 W. Forest Home Ave., Greenfield, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Competition Information – Applicants may arrange for their own accompanist/s or use an Accompanist/s provided by Jazz Unlimited.  Jazz Unlimited will have on hand a keyboard player (who plays bass pedals), a bassist & a drummer for accompaniment.  We don't allow prerecorded tracks, cell phones or internet sourced music as accompaniment. Each song performed should be a minimum of 2 minutes long but NO longer than 4 minutes.

Each Applicant should be prepared to perform two songs, as submitted on their application form. The Scholarship Chair will determine whether more than one song may be performed, dependent on the number of competitors and time constraints.  If limited to only one song, the Applicant may decide which of the two songs they perform.

The actual “Performance Order” will be determined by the Scholarship Chair and communicated to applicants via email at least one day before the competition.  Applicants are encouraged to arrive at least one hour before their scheduled time slot.

Applicants will be afforded a 30-second on stage “warm-up” to set sound levels, etc., which will NOT be considered part of the Competition. Applicants are also encouraged to remain until the end of the Competition to learn the results of judging and receive their award, if applicable.

Instrumental Applicants should select a ballad and/or an up-tempo Jazz related rhythm piece to play. The judges look for applicant's ability to present the melody accurately in addition to their own uniqueness and improvisation. A keyboard, guitar amp and bass amp will be available. Applicants should perform their best piece, either ballad or up tempo, if only one song is to be performed.

Vocalist Applicants should select a ballad and/or an up-tempo Jazz Related rhythm piece to sing. The judges look for applicant's quality of voice, pitch control and originality in their presentation. Vocalists may bring their own microphone. A microphone, cord and PA are provided. Applicants should perform their best piece, either ballad or up tempo, if only one song is to be performed.

Drummers should demonstrate the ability to play brushes and sticks in different Jazz related rhythms. A drum kit will be provided. Drummers may NOT bring their own kit. Drummers must supply their own sticks and brushes. Drummers are encouraged to provide their own throne. Drummers may configure the supplied kit in any manner they choose but they are not allowed to tune the drums. Applicants should perform their best piece, either ballad or up tempo if only one song is to be performed.

Musical Aptitude – The applicant should demonstrate an above average ability to play their instrument or sing jazz vocals at their grade or age level as well as have a particular interest in jazz music.

Scholarship Chairperson: Steve Smith, (414)213-3883 jazzunlimitedmke@gmail.com.  Applicants are advised to contact the Scholarship Chairperson with any questions.

Applicants may choose the songs they wish to play.  Below is a sampling of pieces played by students in previous competitions - they are ONLY suggestions. Please contact the Scholarship Chairperson with any questions you have about your selections.