MJW EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

The Memphis Jazz Workshop has several different types of scholarships available. All scholarships will be awarded based on availability, talent, and the needs of the Memphis Jazz Workshop.

Performance based scholarships are for filling the needs of the workshop.

The Harold E. McRae Scholarship is for high school students and is based on financial need and student excellence.

The Charles “GT” Taylor Scholarship is for College Students.

HAROLD E. MCRAE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Harold E. McRae Scholarship is named after a life-long jazz enthusiast who also spent more than 60 years as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal in the legacy Memphis City Schools and Shelby County School system. He is most remembered for his nearly 20-year tenure as principal of Westwood High School in Southwest Memphis. He spent his entire career teaching, mentoring and nurturing thousands of young people in order to help them grow into productive and successful adults.”

The Harold McRae Memorial Scholarship is available to worthy MJW students who need assistance with tuition costs associated with workshop participation during a given semester.

CHARLES “GT” TAYLOR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Charles “GT” Taylor Memorial Scholarship is named after one of the premiere Jazz musicians in Memphis during the 1960s and the first African American leader of the Jazz Statesmen at Memphis State University (now University of Memphis). After graduating in 1967 from Lester High School, he entered Memphis State on a music scholarship and began to showcase his talent around the city. He led bands at many places where blacks were not allowed but his talent made a way for him. Sadly, he was killed in a car accident coming from a “gig” in 1969 and the world never got to see how far his talent would take him.

However, those who remember him quickly remind you of how he was always the most talented in the room, but his humility made everyone feel like they were even better.

Scholarship Criteria:

• Male Music Major accepted to an accredited college/university. No audition required.
  • Proof: Copy of acceptance letter and registration
• Demonstrated Financial Need
  • Proof: Copy of Financial Aid award letter, tuition bill, etc.
• Essay required that details”Why I want to pursue music as a major/profession?”
• 3 Letters of Recommendation required
• MJW participant for at least 2 semesters
  • Rising Freshman only
• Award: $1,000 per school year
  • Issue check payable directly to institution in the Fall and Spring semesters ($500 each semester)
  • Student must provide specific remittance directions from their college in writing. (student id number, bursar’s mailing address, etc.)
• Application deadline? May 1