Applications are now available for the 2013–14 University of Pittsburgh-BNY Mellon Jazz Scholarship. A $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to a full-time undergraduate student who will be enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh in September of 2012. The scholarship is divided between the Fall and Spring terms. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of performing ability as demonstrated by an audition tape/CD. Completed applications must be returned by Monday, June 3, 2013. Download the application.
The annual, $5,000 PITT/BNY Mellon Jazz Scholarship is judged by a panel of nationally recognized jazz musicians on the basis of musical ability as demonstrated by an audition tape or CD that includes samplings of various musical styles. Any full-time undergraduate student who will be enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh during the fall 2013 semester is eligible to apply for the scholarship.
“We are grateful for our partnership with BNY Mellon and for the continuance of the jazz scholarship. There are so many talented and eager musicians who can benefit from this opportunity and it’s important that we recognize them,” said Pitt Jazz Studies Program Director, Nathan Davis.
“We believe that a thriving arts community is essential to Pittsburgh’s excellent quality of life and we’re delighted to continue to partner with Dr. Davis and the University in support of promising jazz scholars,” said Jim McDonald, BNY Mellon’s director of philanthropy and employee programs.
Last year’s PITT/BNY Mellon Jazz scholarship winner, Ben Clifton of Edgewood, is a University of Pittsburgh junior who is majoring in music, with a minor in Portuguese. While attending Central Catholic High School, Clifton played in the jazz band, was enrolled in the City Music Center, and played Sunday morning services at Oakland’s Church of the Ascension. He is now a member of the Pitt Jazz Ensemble and also teaches piano to at-risk youth through the Hazelwood-based Center of Life. Clifton also performs with the Center’s Youth Jazz Band for corporate events, private parties and fundraisers.
This post has been updated.