THE GEORGE AND BRENDA ELLIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Jazz Excellence at Juilliard & Manhattan School of Music
Elevating the future of jazz through prestigious merit and need-based financial aid. This year's application period ends May 25th, 2026.
ELIGIBILITY
The George and Brenda Ellis Scholarship Fund honors students exhibiting exceptional talent at their primary jazz instrument. Working in close partnership with The Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music, our fund provides critical financial assistance to students who have demonstrated elite proficiency and have been awarded institutional merit scholarships. This funding aims to support those whose unique talent and needs distinguish them as future leaders in the modern jazz tradition.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 25, 2026
Submission Requirements
01 RECORDINGS
Audio & Video Submissions
Submit 3–5 audio or video recordings that demonstrate your technical proficiency and musical range. Please include a balanced selection of slow, medium, and fast jazz standards to showcase your versatility and improvisation skills.
02 BIOGRAPHY
Performance Portfolio
A detailed performance document is required, listing all relevant ensembles, your primary roles, and significant performances. Please also include any musical honors or merit-based scholarships you have received during your studies.
Candidate Inquiry
Primary Instrument
Identify your primary jazz instrument. Candidates should also mention proficiency in secondary instruments if they contribute significantly to their musical versatility.
Reading Capability
Describe your sight-reading fluency. We look for students capable of interpreting complex notation, big band arrangements, and contemporary scoring with precision.
Ear & Pitch Sensibilities
Evaluate your internal hearing and harmonic recognition. Detail your ability to identify intervals, progress through modal modulations by ear, and maintain flawless pitch.
Ensemble Experience
Summarize your performance history in collaborative settings. This includes small group interaction, large jazz ensembles, and any professional sideman engagements.
Mentors & Private Study
List the master musicians and institutional educators with whom you have studied. We value a lineage of learning that bridges tradition with innovation.
Jazz Vocabulary & Improvisation
Detail your command of the jazz standards repertoire and your conceptual approach to improvisation, specifically regarding technical versatility and solo structure.
Submit Your Application
Did you submit your 2025-2026 FAFSA?
All application requirements are to be sent to:
apply@ellisfundscholarship.com
MEET THE FOUNDERS
George and Brenda Ellis are distinguished patrons of the arts who have long dedicated their lives to nurturing the next generation of musical excellence. Their vision focuses on supporting elite jazz talent as they enter the prestigious programs at Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music. Through their eponymous fund, they provide essential financial pathways for students demonstrating exceptional virtuosity, ensuring that the legacy of great jazz continues to flourish on New York's most venerable stages.
