The countdown is well and truly on for next year’s Generations in Jazz festival, with two annual scholarships now open for applications.

The James Morrison Jazz Scholarship recognises, celebrates and honours excellence and outstanding achievements in jazz music and is open to young jazz instrumentalists under 19 years of age.

The scholarship, now in its 33rd year, provides $10,000 each year to an emerging artist to assist in the development of their musical career.

Identifying, recognising and rewarding musical excellence, the James Morrison Jazz Scholarship is sponsored by Melbourne philanthropist Andrea Evans and family and administered by Generations in Jazz Inc.

Their sponsorship recognises the late Ron Evans’ love of jazz, along with his strong desire to encourage and foster musical talent.

The Generations in Jazz Vocal Scholarship celebrates and honours excellence and outstanding achievements in jazz and is open to jazz vocalists under 21 years of age.

The vocal scholarship also provides $10,000 each year to an emerging artist to assist in the development of their musical career and is sponsored by the Scott family.

To apply for the scholarships, nominees need to complete the scholarship application form and attach the appropriate supporting documentation and recordings.

From the applications, six finalists will be selected and must be available to attend final adjudication in Mount Gambier during the Generations in Jazz weekend from May 6-8.

Selection of the finalists is made on the basis of applicants meeting the eligibility criteria deemed by the judging panel to display an outstanding level of musical ability and accomplishment in musical performance and on a personal needs basis

Applications for both scholarships close on March 15.