JAZZ HOUSE KiDS is extremely proud to participate in the James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey, an award honoring the life of Newark native and saxophone giant James Moody.

Award presented by Linda Moody

The James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey, is a $10,000 prize, offered annually to an outstanding high school senior who embodies the qualities expressed by the NEA Jazz Master through his life and works—musicianship, creativity, leadership and community involvement.

“This scholarship would be an immense source of pride for my husband. He often fondly recalled growing up in Newark. He was always thrilled when he could provide aspiring musicians with the resources he never had. Moody’s enormous presence will always be with us.” Linda Moody

One portion of the scholarship application is a student essay answering the question, “How has jazz changed your life and how can you use it to make a positive contribution to your community?” Applicants are also required to submit videos of themselves playing two jazz tunes from a specified selection of songs. The panel of judges includes Linda Moody, along with musician-educators Christian McBride, Renee Rosnes, Mark Gross, and Nathan Eklund. We’re grateful for the aid of the Community Foundation of New Jersey in administering the scholarship.