For more than three decades, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Competition played a pivotal role in identifying and empowering the next generation of jazz musicians, educators, and influencers. On December 2 and 3 in Washington, D.C., the contest will take place for the 30th time overall, but the first under its new name: the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Competition. Open to musicians age 30 and under from across the globe, this year’s competition will focus on the guitar.
The semifinals of the 2019 Guitar Competition will be held on Monday, December 2, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Smithsonian Institution. Semifinalists will compete before an all-star panel of judges including jazz guitarists Stanley Jordan, Russell Malone, Pat Metheny, Chico Pinheiro, Lee Ritenour, and John Scofield. Each semifinalist will perform for 15 minutes accompanied by a professional rhythm section.
