10th Ö1 Jazz Scholarship 2027: Win a Full Scholarship at JAM MUSIC LAB

The Ö1 Jazz Scholarship celebrates an important anniversary in 2027: Austria’s established programme for emerging jazz artists will be awarded for the tenth time. Young musicians can apply for a two-year scholarship at JAM MUSIC LAB Private University in Vienna and the opportunity to produce a professional album with Quinton Records.

Applications are open from 9 November 2026 until 25 March 2027.

Who Can Apply?

The Ö1 Jazz Scholarship is open to instrumentalists and vocalists at all stages of their musical education. Applicants must be aged 28 or younger at the time of application and fulfil the formal requirements for university study.

Applications are welcome from:

• Austrian citizens
• musicians of other nationalities whose main place of residence is in Austria
• current students of JAM MUSIC LAB Private University

The jury is looking for more than technical ability. Applicants should demonstrate originality, artistic courage and a distinctive musical voice. Openness, musical interaction and a creative approach to the traditions and contemporary forms of jazz are especially important.

Study and Album Production

The winner will receive a scholarship covering two years of study at JAM MUSIC LAB Private University. Since 2023, the prize has also included the opportunity to produce an album in collaboration with Quinton Records, the Vienna-based label led by producer Andreas Rathammer.

The Ö1 Jazz Scholarship combines artistic education with professional experience, public visibility and valuable connections within the Austrian and international jazz scene.

Ten Years of the Ö1 Jazz Scholarship

Since it was first awarded in 2018, the scholarship has supported a remarkable group of emerging artists:

Robert Unterköfler (2018), Lukas Aichinger (2019), Constanze Friedel (2020), Madeleine Kaindl (2021), Alan Bartuš (2022), Andreas Varady (2023), Nina Feldgrill (2024), Thomas Quendler (2025) and Carla Kaltenböck (2026).

Their individual careers reflect the diversity of contemporary jazz and demonstrate what can grow from focused study, professional production and a strong artistic network.

Four Scholarship Winners Live at the RadioKulturhaus

On 16 November 2026, the concert gala “5 Millionen Pesos Spezial” will bring together four former Ö1 Jazz Scholarship winners in the Grand Hall of the ORF RadioKulturhaus in Vienna.

Thomas Quendler will present his Quinton Records album Continuum. Carla Kaltenböck and her band Carla’s Café will offer a first preview of their debut album, scheduled for release in 2027. Pianist Alan Bartuš will perform with his trio, joined by saxophonist Robert Unterköfler, the first winner of the Ö1 Jazz Scholarship.

The concert will be broadcast live on Ö1 from 19:30 as an extended edition of On stage.

Apply for the Ö1 Jazz Scholarship 2027

Applications open: 9 November 2026
Application deadline: 25 March 2027
Winner announced: 30 April 2027, on Ö1 Jazz Day

Apply via the JAM MUSIC LAB website