The Litchfield Jazz Camp Talent Search will be held for a third time, on March 7, beginning at 2 PM at Litchfield Community Center. It is open to students ages 13 to 17 on all instruments and vocals. Winners will receive scholarships to Litchfield Jazz Camp 2026 at the Frederick Gunn School in Washington, CT. First place winner receives a full scholarship plus a free private lesson, a value of $2000+. Second and third place winners also receive scholarships!
HOW TO ENTER
SUBMIT VIDEO AUDITION – Extended Deadline – Friday, January 23rd
Video audition details: We ask all applicants to submit a video playing “Straight No Chaser” by Thelonious Monk. The video must include the melody followed by a 3-chorus solo and melody out performed alongside a live band. This band can range from a duet (horn with piano, for example) to a quartet (horn with piano, bass and drums). If a band is not available, a click track may be used (for example the iRealPro app or a backing track from YouTube). Any drummer who wishes to audition will need to record with a trio, consisting of piano or guitar and bass or a backing track that has no drum audio. Drummers will back their bandmates during the melody, perform a 2-chorus drum solo and have the trio perform the melody out.
We ask applicants to complete the registration form provided below and submit a $30 registration fee when prompted. For families with incomes below $50,000, the fee will be waived.
LIVE FINALS – MARCH 7, 2026
Finalists will be selected by a live audition on Saturday, March 7 at the Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Road, Litchfield, CT. Each semi-finalist will perform a tune of their own choosing backed by a professional jazz trio. Parents and the public are invited to attend. Our distinguished panel of judges includes Albert Rivera, Don Braden, and Vita Muir. The day runs from 2:00-6:00 PM when winners are announced.
Questions? Contact Tegan at 860-361-6285 or tegan@litchfieldjazzfest.com.
About the Talent Search
Each year, the Litchfield Jazz Camp Talent Search brings together some of the most promising young jazz musicians for an afternoon of incredible performances and scholarship opportunities. Held at the Litchfield Community Center, this event gives talented students ages 13–17 the chance to showcase their skills and compete for scholarships to attend Litchfield Jazz Camp at The Frederick Gunn School.
Each year, roughly 30 students apply from across the region, and 12–15 are invited to perform in the in-person finals. Finalists are selected through an audition process and represent a variety of instruments, including saxophone, piano, drums, bass, guitar, trombone, and more. These young musicians take the stage, performing alongside a world-class professional trio composed of Litchfield Jazz Camp faculty members—renowned artists who have toured, recorded, and shaped the next generation of jazz musicians.
A distinguished panel of judges, including LJC faculty and esteemed industry professionals, carefully selects the winners, who are awarded scholarships to further their jazz education. Thanks to the generous support of organizations like The Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation and Northwest Community Bank, this event continues to make high-level jazz education accessible to young musicians.
The Talent Search is open to the public and free to attend. With a packed house each year, audiences experience the thrill of live jazz while supporting the next generation of great artists. Whether you’re a musician, a jazz enthusiast, or simply looking for an inspiring afternoon of music, we invite you to join us for this exciting annual event!
