The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (BKCM), a 126-year-old nonprofit that specializes in music education initiatives, officially launched the application period for its Jazz Leaders Fellowship.
Established by BKCM four years ago, the Jazz Leaders Fellowship is an award program that provides resources to Black women and Black non-binary musicians, enabling them to hone their skills and pursue projects that advance their careers.
Included with the honor — which is awarded to two musicians each year — is a $12,500 grant, as well as access to BKCM’s rehearsal spaces, where the selected musicians will put together a performance and engage in workshops.
Last year’s award recipients were Miss Olithea and Melanie Charles, a pair of jazz musicians that were involved with the genre through a variety of mediums, including singing, songwriting and producing.
Past winners have included jazz pianists, recording artists, poets, composers, and arrangers, among others.
To be considered for this year’s award, applicants must identify as Black women or Black non-binary jazz musicians, be 21 years or older, and reside in the NYC metropolitan area, according to BKCM.
The Brooklyn nonprofit encourages jazz musicians from all career stages to apply, although currently enrolled full-time students are ineligible for the award.
The application deadline is May 15, with the winners being announced by BKCM sometime in June.
To apply for the Jazz Leaders Fellowship, head over to the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music website.
