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 young people to get involved. Under this umbrella is a program called ‘JAZZ 4 the AGES’, an annual competition that is open to youth in the 23 and under age groups.

Auditions are curated by a panel of professional jazz musicians with expertise in the following instruments: Piano, guitar, vocal, saxophone, trumpet, drums, organ, producing and more.

JAZZ 4 the AGES has provided learning and performance opportunities for various young and upcoming musicians. A series of Master Class workshops are also made available for students and musicians featuring top musicians from around the globe. The festival partners with local schools such as Ridley College and Laura Secord High School to help bring this program to fruition.

HOW IT WORKS...

1st round - Pre-selection

Please submit 1 YouTube video of you performing your favourite song or piece. Doesn't necessarily have to be jazz but preferred. Deadline to submit: January 31st, 2026

2nd round - Auditions

For those who are pre-selected from the submissions, they will be invited to in-person auditions at Ridley College in St. Catharines on April 2026. (Date TBD) Two contrasting songs/pieces are required. One must be a jazz piece. If you are a singer or solo instrumentalist (any instrument) some of the adjudicators will join you to accompany you for your performance. You must provide the name of the song in advance and if a chart is needed (if they are not familiar with the song) you will need to provide the chart. If you are not from Southern Ontario, you may do a Zoom audition for this round.

3rd round - FINALS

Those who are selected for the FINALS will audition in person at Ridley College in May 2025. Two contrasting songs/pieces are required. One must be a jazz piece. At least one piece should be different from the 1st round. The winners will be announced at the end of the Finals. All winners have the opportunity to perform during the 2025 Summer Festival. finalists will have the opportunity to perform during the rest of our calendar year at the smaller events if enough spots are available.

AGE CATEGORIES:

8 and under; 9 - 11; 12 - 14; 15 - 17; 18 - 23