next jazz legacy

Next Jazz Legacy is a partnership between New Music USA and the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice with major funding from the Mellon Foundation and additional support from Next Jazz Legacy donors Joe and Nancy Walker.

This national program is focused on increasing opportunities for emerging women and non-binary improvisers in jazz, who have been underrepresented in the art form. Next Jazz Legacy seeks to address inequalities in jazz by supporting early-career-stage artists whose access to resources has been limited. By offering creative and professional experience through long-term apprenticeships, financial support and promotion, Next Jazz Legacy aims to inspire change that will benefit everyone in the jazz community. GRAMMY-winning artist and NEA Jazz Master Terri Lyne Carrington is the program’s Artistic Director.

Each selected awardee will receive: a $10,000 award, apprenticeship (performance opportunities with master bandleaders), creative and business mentorship sessions, four learning cohorts, and professional and promotional support.

The 3rd cycle (2023-24) of the Next Jazz Legacy program will include seven artists chosen by an esteemed panel of musicians, chaired by NJL Artistic Director Terri Lyne Carrington, with gender justice and racial justice as guiding principles. For applications to be considered, candidates are kindly requested to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria. Selected artists will be announced in January 2024.