Next Jazz Legacy is a national apprenticeship and mentorship program for emerging jazz improvisers. New Music USA and the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice operate it with Mellon Foundation funding and artistic leadership from Terri Lyne Carrington.
Each selected artist is matched with a bandleader for a year-long performance apprenticeship and with a creative mentor for career support. The program also combines peer learning, an online Berklee course, networking, profile and showcase opportunities.
Benefits & funding
- A $10,000 unrestricted grant for creative and professional development.
- A one-year performance apprenticeship with a matched bandleader and separate creative mentorship.
- A 12-week Berklee Online course, peer-learning sessions, professional networking, artist profile films and showcase performances.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be jazz improvisers aged 21–35 at the time of application.
- The program is designed for emerging professional artists; formal education is not required, and vocalists and players of any instrument may apply.
- Musicians of all gender and sexual identities are welcome.
- The accessible current pages state no nationality or residence restriction; applicants should confirm the complete rules when the next call opens.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Age requirement
21–35 yrs
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Application process
- 1Review the program page and FAQ when the next annual call is announced.
- 2Follow the official apply link to New Music USA’s SMApply portal and complete the current-cycle form by the published deadline.
- 3New Music USA staff screen applications for eligibility before an artist, educator and industry panel selects the cohort.
Program timeline
October 1, 2025
Applications opened for the 2026 cohort.
October 31, 2025
Applications closed for the 2026 cohort.
March 12, 2026
The seven-person 2026 cohort was announced.