Litchfield Jazz Camp 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.
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 membersโrenowned 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!
2024 1st Annual
2024 Talent Search Winners
๐ฅ 1st Place โ $2000
Conor McMillen โ Violin, 16 (New York City)
๐ฅ 2nd Place โ $1000
Josephine Roses โ Guitar, 13 (New York)
๐ฅ 3rd Place โ $1000
Isaiah Cross โ Piano, 17 (New Haven, CT)
๐ Honorable Mentions โ $250
Benjamin Sirignano โ Drums, 16 (Greenwich, CT)
Mihira Tangelloju โ Piano, 13 (Louisville, KY)









2025 2nd Annual
2025 Talent Search Winners
๐ฅ 1st Place โ $2000
Dontae James โ Alto Sax, 17 (New Haven, CT)
๐ฅ 2nd Place โ $1000
Xavier Smith โ Baritone Horn (New Haven, CT)
๐ฅ 3rd Place โ $1000
Xander Rosenblum โ Drums, 13 (New York City)
๐ Honorable Mentions โ $350
Kenjiro Matsuki โ Bass, 13 (Tenafly, NJ)
Noah Rosen โ Piano, 14 (New York City)





