The Zawinul Foundation offers the following awards:
The “Z” Award
Each year, this award is given to one music student from Austria and one music student from the United States for demonstrating exceptional musical talent and passion. Each first place “Z” Award winner gets to participate in our annul international music exchange program. The Austrian first place winner gets to visit Los Angeles for two weeks to take personalized music courses and visit historical and cultural sites; the American first place winner gets to do the same in Vienna. Both trips are fully paid for by the Foundation; airfare, housing, meals, music courses and recreational trips.
We will also provide second and third place prizes to applicants from Austria. Second place prize is fully-paid tuition for one semester at the Vienna Musicians’ Institute with private lessons, secondary and ensemble courses. Third place prize is fully-paid tuition for two semesters of the “Theory and Ear Training” course at the Vienna Musicians’ Institute. First, second and third place prizes will be presented at the “Z” Award ceremony in Vienna. Additionally, the winners must be no older than 20 years old by June 6, 2020.
To apply, click here
The Creative Video Award (US and Austrian Students)
The Zawinul Foundation for Achievement announces the ZFFA Creative Video Award to recognize and encourage young filmmakers. Whether captured by a smartphone or the latest technology– now more than ever– young artists have an opportunity to tell their stories through video. This year, the Zawinul Foundation welcomes students to submit a short video about their hometowns; show us how you view your community. The ZFFA Creative Video Award winner receives a one-year subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud All Applications for students.
To apply, click here
The Spirit Award (Austrian Students Only)
The Zawinul Foundation for Achievement bestows the Spirit Award to an Austrian student who exhibits an unparalleled passion for music and who has overcome challenges in life. The award honors the student’s ability to successfully cope with difficulties while also furthering his/her music education and talents. The winner will receive a €500.00 voucher for Klangfarbe music store in Vienna.
The Spirit Award winner will be selected from 2020 Joe Zawinul Music Exchange Program applicants who also have applied for the program in previous years. Additionally, the winner must be no older than 20 years old by June 6, 2020.
Most Improved (Austrian Students Only)
New this year, the Zawinul Foundation for Achievement presents the ZFFA Most Improved Award. This honor recognizes a student who has shown tremendous growth in his/her musicianship—not only in theoretical knowledge of his/her instrument, but also in the acquisition of new skills—the exemplary work ethic required to continue learning the craft, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone to push yourself as a performer.
The winner will receive one recording day at Mushroom recording studio in Pinkafeld.
To be considered for the ZFFA Most-Improved Award, students must have previously applied to the Joe Zawinul Music Exchange Program and apply again for the 2020 program. Additionally, the winner must be no older than 20 years old by June 6, 2020.
The winner will be chosen by university-level educators who will compare both this year’s video submission and previous video applications.