Next Jazz Legacy is a national apprenticeship and mentorship program for emerging jazz improvisers, run by New Music USA and the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice with Mellon Foundation funding. Terri Lyne Carrington is artistic director.
The 2027–2028 cycle supports six artists, each paired with a bandleader for on-stage apprenticeship plus a creative mentor and a business mentor, with cohort sessions, an online Berklee course and showcases.
Benefits & funding
- A $10,000 grant paid in two $5,000 instalments; awardees propose how they will spend it on career costs, and the program team signs off.
- Apprenticeship with a bandleader mentor, plus a matched creative mentor and business mentor.
- Four cohort learning sessions led by Terri Lyne Carrington and guests, and a Berklee Online course.
- Showcases with partner presenters and an artist profile film.
Eligibility
- Jazz improvisers with professional experience, aged 21–35 when applying; vocalists and any instrument are welcome, and formal training is not required.
- Must be based in the US or a US territory when applying; no citizenship rule is stated.
- Must be available for the full program, January 2027 to January 2028.
- Not eligible: anyone enrolled in an academic institution at any point during the program, under contract with a third-party recording company, unable to show need for the program, or a 2026 New Music USA program grantee.
- Musicians of all gender and sexual identities are welcome.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Residence required
USA · Puerto Rico · Guam · US Virgin Islands · American Samoa · Northern Mariana Islands
Age requirement
21–35 yrs
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Application process
- 1Apply through New Music USA’s SMApply portal by October 24, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
- 2Submit a CV, three ensemble performance videos totalling no more than 10 minutes (at least one original composition or arrangement), and a personal statement as a video of up to 4 minutes or up to 500 words.
- 3Staff screen for eligibility and completeness; a panel of independent artists and experts chaired by Terri Lyne Carrington then selects the awardees.
Program timeline
Application deadline.
October 24, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
Awardees notified.
Late December 2026
Public announcement.
Late January 2027
Program runs.
January 2027 – January 2028