Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award
From the Top
From the Top, a non-profit dedicated to showcasing young classically-trained musicians’ stories, abilities, and character, sponsors the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award.
Since 2005, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and From the Top have granted over $3 million to deserving young performers, helping to defray some of the costs of learning classical music at the highest level. From The Top selects roughly 20 deserving pre-collegiate musicians to earn the award each year.
The winners can make use of the money for instrument purchases, college audition travel expenses, summer camp tuition, private lessons, or other music-related fees.
Scholarship Summary
From the Top, a non-profit dedicated to showcasing young classically-trained musicians’ stories, abilities, and character, sponsors the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award.
Since 2005, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and From the Top have granted over $3 million to deserving young performers, helping to defray some of the costs of learning classical music at the highest level. From The Top selects roughly 20 deserving pre-collegiate musicians to earn the award each year.
The winners can make use of the money for instrument purchases, college audition travel expenses, summer camp tuition, private lessons, or other music-related fees.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: Middle School – High School Senior
- Age: 8 – 18
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award
Study Details
Area of Study
- Arts
- Music
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Special Project
Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award Timeline
January 1, 2025
Application Open Date
The application for the season opens.
September 1, 2025
First Application Deadline
Application closes for the first time, and winners are announced.
November 15, 2025
High School Seniors' Application Deadline
Application closes for high school seniors.
April 15, 2025
Third Application Deadline
Application closes for the third time, and winners are announced.
How to ace the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award
Submit a quality video
For applicants submitting a video of their rendition, it is advisable to use a device that will produce a quality video. Not something too expensive, but an iPhone will do.
Select familiar teachers as referee
While selecting a referee, we advise you to choose those teachers who are very familiar with you and your music talent. A teacher who can vouch for you will be perfect.
Present a popular song
Presenting a popular song makes it easier for the judges to know how well the performance is.
Submit quality audio
A quality audio entry makes it valid in the first place. We advise you to test the quality of the audio output of the device you use for the recording. Also, an environment devoid of noise is recommended.
How the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award is Judged
The following criteria are used to analyze and select applicants for the award: intense musical devotion, unmet financial need, commitment to learning and creativity — both inside and outside the classroom, and character strength.
Why We Love the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award
Promotes art amongst youths
Most scholarships are for students in science fields. It is nice to see one that focuses on art and does not depend on a student's classroom grades but their talent.
Sponsors young musicians
The scholarship sponsors young musicians and sets them up for success by funding their purchase of music instruments, summer camping, travel for a college audition, private music lessons, and more music-related expenses.
Assists young musicians with financial need
This award targets only those young artists with financial constraints. It helps them actualize their dreams despite their humble beginning.
5 Facts About the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award
Participation in Learning and Media Lab Fellowship
All awardees will participate in From the Top's Learning and Media Lab Fellowship, a four-week online curriculum that helps young artists explore career opportunities in audio production, community engagement, and other arts.
More exposure opportunity
Fellows of From the Top Learning and Media Fellowship have the opportunity to record on From the Top's national radio program and podcast, unite to carry out a community engagement activity, collaborate with others on digital media like TikTok, Instagram, and virtual concerts.
A single application is needed
The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award application also serves for the From the Top Learning and Media Lab Fellowship program, without full participation in the Fellowship program, the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award cannot be presented.
Tuition not inclusive
The award money is not used for the awardees' college tuition but for all things that have to do with their music, instrument purchase, music classes, etc.
Not renewable award
The Young Artist Award is non-renewable but a one-time grant payment of $10,000. Homeschooled students are also eligible to apply.
