The Tri-C Jazz Studies Fellowship creates a higher education opportunity for Tri-C JazzFest Academy students who demonstrate exceptional talent, dedication, work ethic and potential in jazz music. This program provides tuition, a stipend and real-world experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to focus on their artistic growth and career development plans without financial constraints. This point of entry to a pathway for young jazz performers connects their high school learning to a college experience that includes an intensive hands-on journey designed to develop their craft as performers while learning the fundamentals of launching and growing a career in performing and teaching.
Fellowship participants are enrolled as full-time students in the Associate of Arts in Jazz Studies program in the Music Department at the Tri-C Metropolitan Campus. Students receive ongoing mentorship and real-world experiences that prepare them for professional performing and teaching careers. The Fellowship prepares them for matriculation into four-year colleges if they choose to further their studies. Fellowship features include:
- Guidance from faculty, staff and visiting jazz artists, cultivating a deeper understanding of jazz styles, performance techniques, ear training, practice strategies and group rehearsal.
- Masterclasses, workshops, and individual coaching to refine technical skills and artistry.
- Gigs at local jazz venues to build professional networks and performance experience.
- Counselor and instructional assistant opportunities during JazzFest Academy and JazzFest Academy Summer Camp to prepare students for work as teaching artists and program coordinators.
- A final group recording in the studios at the Tri-C Gill and Tommy LiPuma Center for Creative Arts that will include Tri-C Recording Arts Technology and Film students and guest recording engineers and musicians.
To introduce career development, faculty and staff provides resources and coaching on topics such as recording, marketing, booking, managing a professional music career, entrepreneurship in the arts/music and the fundamentals of teaching artistry.
Ways to Support the Tri-C Jazz Studies Fellowship
$40,000 - Full Fellowship Sponsor
Supports one student’s complete two-year Fellowship experience, including tuition, stipend, mentorship, experiential learning, and career development opportunities.
$20,000 - Year-One or Year-Two Sponsor
Covers one full year of Fellowship support for a student, helping remove financial barriers while allowing them to focus on their education and artistic growth.
$15,000 - Recording Project Sponsor
Supports the Fellowship’s culminating group recording project at the Tri-C Gill and Tommy LiPuma Center for Creative Arts, giving students a professional recording experience and a tangible artistic achievement.
Leadership support at these levels will be recognized through JazzFest communications and campaign materials.
