dEADLINE: December 1, 2025
The Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards 2025 supports emerging jazz creators by recognising outstanding original compositions from young talents. The programme is administered by The ASCAP Foundation with support from the Herb Alpert Foundation. Focused on empowering the next generation of jazz innovators, the Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards 2025 provides a platform where creativity, originality, and artistic development are celebrated. This opportunity is highly competitive, offering recognition and financial support to deserving young musicians.
About the Opportunity
The award is designed specifically for young jazz composers who demonstrate exceptional originality and technical skill in jazz composition. Administered by The ASCAP Foundation, the initiative honours original works only—arrangements or adaptations are not accepted. Award amounts are determined at the discretion of The ASCAP Foundation, and recipients gain both recognition and support within the jazz community.
Eligibility
To be considered for the programme, applicants must meet all the conditions below:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 13 years old and under 30 years old as of 1 December 2025.
- Citizenship/Residency: Eligible applicants must be:
- U.S. citizens, or
- U.S. permanent residents, or
- Students studying in the U.S. with a valid student visa.
- PRO Membership: Applicants must either:
- Be ASCAP writer members in good standing, or
- Be unaffiliated with any performing rights organisation, or
- Belong to an international PRO whose repertoire is licensed through ASCAP.
- Previous Winners: Individuals who have won this award three or more times are not eligible.
- Applicants Under the Age of Majority: A parent or legal guardian must submit the application and complete the mandatory Parental Consent Form.
Benefits / Award Details
- Winners receive a cash award determined by The ASCAP Foundation.
- Recipients gain recognition and visibility within the jazz composition community.
- The award promotes artistic development and provides career-enhancing validation for young composers.
Application Requirements / Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- A completed online application form.
- One original jazz composition (arrangements are not eligible).
- A score or chart (properly notated sheet music) for the composition.
- An MP3 recording or electronic realisation of the work.
- Only one submission is allowed per applicant; if multiple entries are submitted, only the first will be reviewed.
- For applicants under 18, the Parental Consent Form must be signed and uploaded.
Timeline / Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2025, by 11:59 PM (ET).
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the official online submission form and upload all required materials, ensuring the composition and recording meet the originality and format guidelines.
Selection Process
All submissions are reviewed by adjudicators appointed by The ASCAP Foundation. Assessment focuses on originality, creativity, and technical composition quality. Compositions that do not meet eligibility or documentation requirements will not be considered.
Additional Information / Terms
- Only original jazz compositions are accepted.
- Poor-quality recordings or unclear sheet music may affect evaluation.
- Applicants are responsible for ensuring all materials are correctly formatted and submitted before the deadline.
Host Organisation
The programme is administered by The ASCAP Foundation, with sponsorship by the Herb Alpert Foundation, both of which actively support the advancement of artistic excellence and music education.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review
