It’s more than a scholarship

WHAT IS IT?

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award is an award of up to $10,000 that can be used to help offset music-related needs for classical instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers who have not yet entered college. In addition to receiving a financial award, recipients also appear on NPR’s From the Top where they perform, share their stories, and participate in arts leadership activities.

FIRST APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING: October 07, 2019
(High school seniors must apply by this date)

Learn More & Apply

For me it means: Opportunity

"I struggled to hold back tears when I found out that I would now finally be able to afford a good cello to carry me through college as a cello performance major. Thanks to the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, I am now the proud owner of a 1977 Antonio Capela cello. I could not be any happier."

David Caplan, age 17

Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

You are eligible if you are between the ages of 8–18 and have not enrolled in a college or conservatory, and if you live in or have a significant training connection to the US.

Award recipients must demonstrate exceptional musical achievement, unmet financial need, academic achievement, and strength of character.

For me it means: Leadership

"I truly believe that music makes people better. The Young Artist Award inspired me; it made me realize I could do more for the next generation. I enjoy promoting classical music to children because I believe they will continue the tradition and bridge the past with the future."

Masha Lakisova, age 13

Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist

DEADLINES

Applications are accepted at any time, but will only be reviewed in three cycles in accordance with the below deadlines. Please note high school seniors must apply by the first deadline.

October 7, 2019
January 6, 2020
March 2, 2020

For me it means: Education

“Because of the Young Artist Award, I will be able to continue my education at Interlochen Arts Academy. This past year, my family struggled so much with tuition costs. My grandfather began selling his cattle, and my mother began working twelve-hour shifts on Saturdays in addition to her five-day work week. Receiving this award has as not only had a huge impact on me, it has impacted my entire family.”

Olivia Elerson, age 16

Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist

THE BACKSTORY

For more than 15 years, From the Top has celebrated and promoted outstanding young musicians through our NPR radio show and arts leadership programs. In 2006, a partnership with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation was born, one that would help From the Top identify deserving young musicians with financial need, and offer them a scholarship that would change their lives.

Whether it’s purchasing a new instrument, traveling to college auditions, or paying for lessons, the Young Artist Award helps high-achieving young musicians get the training and resources they need to excel.

The Award is about more than money, however.

It’s about helping Young Artists realize their full potential and make a difference with their music. All Young Artist Award Recipients appear on our radio show, NPR’s From the Top, receive arts leadership training, and many choose to give back to their communities.

In its short lifetime, From the Top’s Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist scholarship program has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships to more than 200 outstanding young musicians.

Learn More & Apply