TD Niagara Jazz Festival is extending the applicant submission period for their youth-centric JAZZ 4 the AGES Youth Competition, to allow for a wider catchment area of young performers to consider applying to the competition. Every year up to 24 youths become finalists who compete for the opportunity to perform as opening acts at several high-profile events throughout the season.

Age categories include: 11 and under, 12-14yrs, 15-17 yrs, and 18-23yrs, this program is supported by community partners Ridley College and Laura Secord High School Music Department

With 10 professional instructors and active live performers judging the performances, finalist selections are determined at 3 to 6 per age category. Over the years, these finalists have gone on to create their own professional bands and have made notable contributions to the local jazz music scene in Niagara and beyond.

Last year’s competition winner Nicholas Mustapha and his trio (18-23 yrs category) won the hearts of the festival audience as they performed at the Jackson-Triggs Amphitheatre to a packed audience just prior to Laila Biali’s headline set at the 2023 TD Niagara Jazz Festival. It was an opportunity they cannot replicate and an experience they were thrilled to have.

“What an experience to open for some of the most renowned jazz musicians in the country. The band and I were so grateful for the opportunity thanks to JAZZ 4 the AGES” Nicholas Mustapha (2023 J4A Winner)

TD Niagara Jazz Festival co-creators Juliet Dunn, and the late Peter Shea, strongly believe in mentoring and empowering youth in their community and beyond. In 2015 they started LIVE.LEARN.JAZZ to inspire people young and old to learn more about the art form and to get involved. Under this umbrella the program ‘JAZZ 4 the AGES Youth Competition’ was launched and for a decade has been shining the spotlight on the talent of the region’s youth performers. JAZZ 4 the AGES has provided learning and performance opportunities for numerous young and upcoming musicians, including, but not limited to: James Dunbar, Sydney Bergevin, Emilio Geremia, Kai Oszlai, Agneya Chikte, Avery Raquel, Jacob Chung, Brennan Parmar, Michael Morabito, and Kate Stevens. 

The LIVE.LEARN.JAZZ program also includes a series of Master Class Workshops that are available for students and musicians featuring top artists from around the globe. Musicians including vocalists, soloists, and instrumentalists under the age of 23 can register for consideration.

Registration deadline has been extended to February 29, 2024. Learn more about the competition HERE