Awards are in the form of paid music lessons on the standard instruments used in jazz performance. Instruments include (among others): trumpet, cornet, trombone, clarinet, sax, piano, banjo, guitar, bass, tuba, drums, and vocals. Award recipients will be selected based on several factors, which include but are not limited to:

1) Interest in learning and improving your playing;

2) Dedication to becoming a better musician;

3) Willingness to work hard and practice;

4) Recommendation by a music instructor (school
or private )

5) Financial need.

Application Requirements

AGE REQUIREMENT: Applicants must be enrolled in elementary through high school (including home schooled).
Please submit a packet with:

1 – MLA STUDENT APPLICATION FORM

2 – Essay

Please write short essay or paragraph and answer the following questions:
1) How and when did you become interested in playing music?
2) How many hours per week do you practice?
3) Why do you want to learn more about music?
4) What do you enjoy most about playing music?
5) What are your future goals in music?
6) Do you see yourself playing traditional jazz in the future?
7) Anything else you’d like to add.

3 – LETTER from teacher

A brief letter or recommendation from your teacher(s) is recommended but not required. Applications are evaluated using a point system, and a letter from your teacher will add extra points. The teacher should address your interest, progress and dedication to learning music.

Submission Process

You and your teacher can link to the online submission forms on this page. Or you can download the form, and mail your application, biography and recommendation to:

Music Lesson Awards
c/o SacJef Foundation
P.O. Box 661763
Sacramento, CA 95866

Applications must be submitted online by midnight  or postmarked by the deadline date.

Notification

We will review each application, biography, and teacher’s letter of recommendation. Qualified applicants will be notified of their acceptance by phone or e-mail.