Litchfield Jazz Camp, founded in 1997, can proudly say it has never turned away a student with financial need who wishes to attend one of the country’s premier jazz programs. We provide need-based support to students on a sliding scale from those who require full support to middle class families who need to bridge a financial gap.
Children from low-income households are disproportionately excluded from high-quality music education. This is most unfortunate as music education has been amply demonstrated to positively impact academic, social and emotional development. One NEA study found that among children and teenagers from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, those with high levels of arts engagement showed more positive outcomes on indicators such as school grades, test scores, and high school graduation rates, compared with youths with low levels of arts engagement. We at Litchfield Jazz Camp have had the joy of seeing first-hand the magic of transformation happen for student after student, year after year.
The cost of running a high-quality, intensive, residential music program is inherently expensive. Without subsidy or waived fees, children from lower income families could not attend. Every year about 20% of Litchfield Jazz Camp registrants request financial aid. Of these, 10% fall at or below 125% of federal poverty levels. By offering free and subsidized tuition, we remove the socioeconomic barriers to participation for these children, giving them the opportunity of a lifetime.
The Litchfield Jazz Camp Income-Based Scholarship Program is funded by individuals, foundations, businesses, legacy gifts and more. We encourage new sponsors to get involved so that at the start of every camp season we can assure kids who need support that support will be there for them.
If you would like to discuss setting up a scholarship fund in your or a loved ones name, please contact Tegan Ryan at tegan@litchfieldjazzfest.com, or call 860-361-6285.
If you would like to make a gift towards our 2025 scholarship program, please use the link below.
The following have made grants or established funds to help accomplish our goal. Won’t you join them?
The Jean and Julien Levy Foundation
The Hartford Foundation For Public Giving
Zayas Law Foundation for Arts and Education
The Les Paul Foundation
Torrington Savings Bank
The Billy Strayhorn Foundation
The Kids of Summer
The George McCabe Scholarship Fund
The Arthur Muir Scholarship Fund
The Mario Pavone Scholarship Fund
The Jean Jamsa Scholarship Fund
Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation
Civic Family Services
Spread Music Now