Competition History

Since its inception in 1987, the Institute’s International Competition has been widely acknowledged as the most prestigious jazz competition in the world. Each year, more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes are awarded to talented young musicians. The scholarships help pay tuition for college-level jazz education studies and provide funds for private, specialized instruction. The Competition focuses on a different instrument every year and features an outstanding all-star judging panel. Branford Marsalis, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Ron Carter and Diana Krall are among the dozens of jazz luminaries who have served as Competition judges throughout its storied history.

The Institute has presented Competitions for piano, bass, drums, hand drums, saxophone, trumpet, guitar, vocals and trombone. In 2023, the Competition showcased pianists in New York City with the semifinals and finals taking place at the Perelman Performing Arts Center | PAC NYC. Jahari Stampley took first-place honors, with Connor Rohrer winning second and third going to Paul Cornish.

Representatives from major jazz labels attend the Competition each year because it is one of the most highly respected events for the worldwide music community and the place to discover the rising stars of tomorrow. Additionally, prominent members of the business, entertainment, and political communities are on hand to support the Institute’s mission and the future of jazz.

The Competition is internationally recognized as the most significant event for identifying and launching the careers of young aspiring jazz artists. The accomplishments of Competition laureates speak for themselves, including countless GRAMMY nominations and multiple wins, numerous #1 Billboard albums and a regular presence on the top artist rankings in premier jazz publications such as DownBeat and JazzTimes. First-place winners like Joshua Redman, Marcus Roberts, Cécile McLorin Salvant, the late Joey DeFrancesco, Jane Monheit, Chris Potter, Marquis Hill and Jacky Terrasson are some of the most recognizable names in jazz today. Dozens of semifinalists have forged successful careers as jazz performers and educators and are making a lasting impact on jazz.

At past Competitions, the Institute has presented its Maria Fisher Founder’s Award to an individual who has made essential and valuable contributions to jazz education and jazz tradition. Recipients include Blue Note Records president Bruce Lundvall; keyboardist and composer Herbie Hancock; legendary recording artists Stevie Wonder and George Benson; actor/artist Billy Dee Williams; producer George Wein; bassist Percy Heath; saxophonists and composers Wayne Shorter, Jimmy Heath and Benny Carter; vocalists Dee Dee Bridgewater and Dianne Reeves; drummer Max Roach; trumpeter Clark Terry; jazz aficionado Clint Eastwood; U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch; renowned jazz educator Dr. David Baker and modern jazz icon Terence Blanchard.

Each year the Competition receives an extraordinary amount of publicity and press coverage in a variety of publications, from The New York Times and The Washington Post to Billboard and People magazines. The Competition is covered by the major networks, as well as radio and interactive media. In addition, National Public Radio has presented one-hour specials on past Competitions that have reached 20 million listeners. Hosts of these special programs have included Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Branford Marsalis and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Black Entertainment Television has produced numerous documentaries about the Competition, featuring performance clips and interviews with the contestants and judges.