Eligibility
Serious U.S. and international jazz musicians in their mid-teens to age twenty-five are invited to apply.
Applicants must be:
- age 25 and under as of June 7, 2025
- proficient in English
- dual composers and performers
Application Recording Specifications:
Electronically submit a total of four (4) recordings, each three (3) to four (4) minutes in length, featuring performances by the applicant in a trio or larger group (no solo or duo allowed), including:
- One (1) standard "All the Things You Are" (Kern and Hammerstein); plus
- Three (3) original applicant compositions, including one (1) ballad
Recordings must:
- Prominently feature applicant as soloist in each song (pianists are encouraged to show their skills as an accompanist, as well).
- Adequately convey the composition and performance level of the applicant, but need not be of broadcast quality.
- Audio recordings are acceptable, however, video is strongly preferred. Please submit any video files as a link to a video sharing site such as YouTube or Vimeo.
Additional Information
Program dates are: May 27, 2025 – June 6, 2025
Jazz Ahead alumni who have participated in two prior residencies are ineligible to apply.
The Kennedy Center will provide participants with lodging at a local hotel and per diem to cover meal expenses. Transportation to and from Washington, DC will be the responsibility of the residency participant. International applicants are encouraged to apply; international transportation assistance is available on a case by case basis. There is no application fee or tuition for the program.
All applicants accepted into the program will be required to execute a written agreement with the Kennedy Center, which will include permission to release an audio recording; broadcast image and music over the internet; and arrange for financial and logistical details for participation in the program.
Questions/Help regarding your submission? Email: support@smapply.io
Other non-technical questions? Email Kennedy Center Jazz at Jazz@kennedy-center.org.
Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead 2025 Application
Eligibility
Serious U.S. and international jazz musicians in their mid-teens to age twenty-five are invited to apply.
Applicants must be:
- age 25 and under as of June 7, 2025
- proficient in English
- dual composers and performers
Application Recording Specifications:
Electronically submit a total of four (4) recordings, each three (3) to four (4) minutes in length, featuring performances by the applicant in a trio or larger group (no solo or duo allowed), including:
- One (1) standard "All the Things You Are" (Kern and Hammerstein); plus
- Three (3) original applicant compositions, including one (1) ballad
Recordings must:
- Prominently feature applicant as soloist in each song (pianists are encouraged to show their skills as an accompanist, as well).
- Adequately convey the composition and performance level of the applicant, but need not be of broadcast quality.
- Audio recordings are acceptable, however, video is strongly preferred. Please submit any video files as a link to a video sharing site such as YouTube or Vimeo.
Additional Information
Program dates are: May 27, 2025 – June 6, 2025
Jazz Ahead alumni who have participated in two prior residencies are ineligible to apply.
The Kennedy Center will provide participants with lodging at a local hotel and per diem to cover meal expenses. Transportation to and from Washington, DC will be the responsibility of the residency participant. International applicants are encouraged to apply; international transportation assistance is available on a case by case basis. There is no application fee or tuition for the program.
All applicants accepted into the program will be required to execute a written agreement with the Kennedy Center, which will include permission to release an audio recording; broadcast image and music over the internet; and arrange for financial and logistical details for participation in the program.
Questions/Help regarding your submission? Email: support@smapply.io
Other non-technical questions? Email Kennedy Center Jazz at Jazz@kennedy-center.org.