The Pittsburgh Jazz Society is dedicated to to promotion and preservation of the Pittsburgh jazz heritage and has scholarships available to deserving young musicians as well as a "Student Big Band" to give the opportunity for live performance of their developing skills.
Each year, the Pittsburgh Jazz Society awards at least two Music (Jazz) Scholarships. The purpose of these scholarships is to bring to the student an opportunity to further his or her education and professional career.
One in association with Duquesne University, the PJS offers a Jazz Guitar/Bass Music Educational Scholarship, and is available to students who are enrolled in a college guitar/bass degree program. The recipient of this award will receive a $500 scholarship from the Pittsburgh Jazz Society, a guest interview with WDUQ's Tony Mowod, President and Founder of the Pittsburgh Jazz Society, and an appearance at the Pittsburgh Jazz Society's Sunday Night Jazz Party, as a guest with "Catch 22". Scholarships also include room and board, and are awarded after judges evaluate the students' audition tapes and performances.
To receive further information and specific criteria necessary to apply for this scholarship opportunity, call Bill Purse at the Duquesne University School of Music, 412-396-5866 or email at pursew@duq2.cc.duq.edu.
The PJS also awards a $500 cash scholarship to at least one member of The Pittsburgh Jazz Society Big Band. For information on the PJS Big Band, call Ralph Guzzi at 412-241-2986.
The Pittsburgh Jazz Society has awarded young jazz musicians with scholarships since 1988. The scholarship money is obtained from several sources, including proceeds from the Caribbean azz Cruises, 'Sunday Summer Jazz Cruises' aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet, Mellon Bank, and PJS members that make generous donations.
The Pittsburgh Jazz Society, a non profit (501) (c) (3) organization, is dedicated to the promotion, preservation and perpetuation of all jazz. This is accomplished through education, performance, partnering and community outreach for members and the general public. PJS Members receive Discounts, Quarterly Newsletters, and advance notice on concerts. Weekly Pittsburgh Jazz Society's Sunday Night Jazz Party hosted by WDUQ's Tony Mowod every Sunday 7 - 10 pm at The Rhythm House Cafe in Bridgeville. Membership is open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. The Pittsburgh Jazz Society's purposes are to promote jazz, encourage jazz scholarship and hold periodic meetings where jazz may be performed for members and the general public. Membership is $25 per year. Students join for $10.00 with valid student ID.