The Jazz Hamilton Woodwind Instruments Scholarship is presented in honor of our Founder, world renowned Saxophonist Jazz Hamilton, a visionary artist whose dedication to the arts and commitment to nurturing talent has profoundly shaped our foundation’s mission, vision, and core values. A native Puerto Rican raised in socioeconomic segregation and deprived of educational equity and quality of life, Artist Jazz Hamilton has transformed his personal experiences into a powerful force for positive change. His civic engagement and commitment to the underserved communities and underrepresented youth in the cities he tours is profound, becoming the heartbeat of his social responsibility initiatives.

Our Founder’s unwavering dedication to changing lives through the arts is embedded in his performances, which focus on supporting the development and education of youth through the power of music while creating economic growth and civic inclusion opportunities for all. He believes that bringing people together through the arts—from diverse cultures, generations, and backgrounds—gives communities a collective voice and a sense of oneness through our shared humanity. This philosophy fosters diversity awareness and cultural competency while building community sustainability and engagement.

The Jazz Hamilton Woodwind Instruments Scholarship, a key component of our Music Performance Scholarship Program, is the highest honor within our scholarship offerings, reflecting the profound commitment of our Founder, Jazz Hamilton, to music performance, arts, and education.  This scholarship is designed to provide financial support and educational opportunities for talented aspiring musicians aged 16 and older from diverse backgrounds. The scholarship specifically focuses on individuals pursuing a degree in music performance with a concentration on a woodwind instrument. Each year, the Jazz Hamilton Arts Foundation awards scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to selected qualifying students meeting the criteria and requirements of the scholarship program. By supporting these musicians, we aim to nurture their artistic growth and alleviate financial barriers, enabling them to excel in their musical journey.  Through the Jazz Hamilton Woodwind Scholarship, the Jazz Hamilton Arts Foundation strives to empower these individuals to pursue higher education in music performance, thus promoting diversity and excellence within the woodwind community and the broader field of music.

The Jazz Hamilton Woodwind Instruments Scholarship application is open from January 10th to April 1st each year. Please subscribe to our Music For All newsletter to keep you informed about the application requirements and process.