Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz - International Jazz Competition

International Jazz Competition

Since 1987, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz has presented the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. More than $60,000 in scholarships and prizes is awarded to musicians and composers each year. The competition focuses on a different instrument every year and features an all-star panel of judges. Branford Marsalis, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Clark Terry, Marian McPartland, Quincy Jones, and Diana Krall have all served as judges at past competitions.

The competition is internationally recognized as a significant event for identifying and launching the careers of young aspiring jazz artists, such as Joshua Redman, winner of the 1991 saxophone competition, Marcus Roberts, winner of the 1987 piano competition, Ryan Kisor, winner of the 1990 trumpet competition, and Joey DeFrancesco, a finalist in the 1987 piano competition. The 1993 piano competition winner, Jacky Terrasson, signed with Blue Note Records. The 1998 vocals competition produced: the late Teri Thornton, winner of the competition who signed with Verve Records; second place winner Jane Monheit who signed with Columbia; semifinalist Tierney Sutton who signed with Telarc; and third-place winner Roberta Gambarini, whose American debut album, "Easy to Love", was nominated for a 2007 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female. Aaron Parks placed third in the piano competition of 2006 and was subsequently signed by Blue Note Records. Since 2008, the first place winner has received a guaranteed recording contract with Concord Music Group. Dozens of other semifinalists have forged successful careers as jazz performers and educators.