Young Jazz Composers Compete for Prestigious Herb Alpert Foundation Awards

The ASCAP Foundation is now accepting submissions for the 2025 Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards. This annual competition aims to discover and support the next generation of American jazz creators. The deadline for all applications is December 1, 2025.

Aspiring composers under the age of 30 are encouraged to submit their original work. The program provides crucial financial support and recognition during the early stages of a musical career.

Eligibility and Prize Details for Aspiring Musicians

To qualify, entrants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or current students holding a valid U.S. student visa. Applicants cannot be older than 29 years of age as of the December 1st deadline. According to The ASCAP Foundation, these rules ensure the awards reach emerging talent.

Selected award recipients will receive a monetary prize. The total prize pool amount is determined each year at the Foundation’s discretion. This financial boost helps young artists fund their projects and continue their creative development.

Submission Process and Broader Impact on Jazz

The application requires a completed online form, a score of an original jazz composition, and an mp3 recording. Arrangements of existing works are not accepted. This process ensures that only unique, creative voices are considered for the honor.

The initiative strengthens the jazz community by investing in its future. It provides a vital platform for young composers to gain visibility. Such support is essential for the continued evolution and vitality of the jazz genre.

The Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards represent a significant opportunity for budding artists. This program directly fuels innovation in American jazz music. It ensures fresh sounds and new perspectives continue to enrich the cultural landscape.

Info at your fingertips

Who is eligible for the Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award?

Applicants must be under 30, U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or students with a valid U.S. visa. They must also be ASCAP members or unaffiliated with a performing rights organization. The age cutoff is as of December 1, 2025.

What do winners of the award receive?

Award recipients are granted a monetary prize. The exact amount varies each year and is shared among the winners. The total prize pool is determined solely by The ASCAP Foundation.

What materials are needed for the application?

Entrants must submit a completed online application form. They must also provide a score of an original jazz work and an mp3 recording of that piece. Only one submission per person is allowed.

Can applicants submit an arrangement of a standard jazz tune?

No, the awards are exclusively for original compositions. Arrangements of pre-existing works are explicitly disqualified from consideration. The focus is solely on fostering new, original music.

What happens if a minor applies for the award?

Applicants under 18 must have a parent or guardian submit the application on their behalf. The parent or guardian will also be required to sign and submit a Parental Consent Form.

Trusted Sources

The ASCAP Foundation, Herb Alpert Foundation.