RIGHT: Tigran Hamasyan performs with Rodney Whitaker and Carl Allen during the 2006 Semifinals BELOW: Tom Carter and Thelonious Monk, Jr. with the 12 Semifinalists of the 2006 Piano Competition
Thelonious Monk International
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ince 1987, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz has presented the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, which is widely regarded as the most prestigious jazz competition in the world. Each year, major scholarships and prizes are awarded to talented young musicians. The scholarships help pay tuition for collegelevel jazz education studies and provide funds for private, specialized instruction. Originally established as an annual piano competition to honor the legacy of Thelonious Monk, three years later the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition began to shine a spotlight on other instruments. A 1990 trumpet competition was soon followed by competitions for bass, drums, hand drums, saxophone, guitar, trombone, and vocals. With each changing competition, the Institute has assembled a consistently outstanding all-star judging panel. Branford Marsalis, Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, Clark Terry, Dave Brubeck, Marian McPartland, Quincy Jones, and Diana Krall have all served as judges at past competitions. At last September’s piano competition, the judging panel featured a number of distinguished jazz artists, including Herbie Hancock, Andrew Hill, Danilo PÊrez, Renee Rosnes, Billy Taylor, and Randy Weston. The competition is internationally recognized as the most significant event for identifying and launching the careers of young aspiring jazz artists. The accomplishments of Joshua Redman, winner of the 1991 saxophone competition, are unprecedented in the jazz world. Josh signed with Warner Bros. Records, released a series of #1 Billboard albums, and was named Downbeat Artist of the Year in 1994. Pianist Marcus Roberts, winner of the very first competition in 1987, has released numerous #1 albums on the jazz charts and served as Artistic Director of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Ryan Kisor, winner of the 1990 trumpet competition, and Joey DeFrancesco, a