The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (BKCM) has launched its Jazz Leaders Fellowship, a program designed to support Black women and non-binary leaders in jazz music.
The yearlong fellowship, that comes with $12,500, will be awarded to two Black women or non-binary musicians who want to develop their jazz skills, and will allow the fellowship winners to work closely with the BKCM community.
BKCM said the mission of the fellowship was to support emerging jazz musicians in creating original music, increase representation in the field, broaden the presence of BKCM in the jazz community and expose BKCM's students to diverse emerging teachers.
BKCM board member Daniel DiPietro, who is financially supporting the fellowship with his partner Alexis, said COVID restrictions had made it difficult for musicians to support their artistic pursuits, especially artists from historically underrepresented groups.
"It is our hope that this fellowship will enable emerging Black women jazz musicians to create original work and continue their professional growth."
Throughout the fellowship, which runs from Aug. 1 through July 31, 2022, winners will be invited to teach a master class or workshop for BKCM and be eligible for other paid teaching opportunities at BKCM or one its affiliates. They will also be able to lead performances, access BKCM's rehearsal spaces and receive mentorship and general support from BKCM faculty and staff.
The fellowship will also incorporate live performances, workshops and projects in collaboration with the Amy Winehouse Jazz Program, which allows pre-teens and teens to explore the world of jazz and improvisation, BKCM said.
Applications are now open to Black women and non-binary jazz musicians 21-years and older. Applicants at all career stages are encouraged to apply, however currently enrolled full-time students are not eligible
For application information, contact JLF@bkcm.org.
