CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 JSJA WINNERS

Posted October 7, 2026

The Board of the John Stites Jazz Artist Organization announces the exceptional 2026 John Stites Artistic Development Jazz Award winners: Stephen Harvey, Jihee Heo, Takumi Kakimoto, Eunmi Lee, Daniel Neville, and Katie Webster. These six individuals will use their awards to pursue new career opportunities, which will enhance their ability to make unique contributions to jazz. We awarded a record $81,000 to the winners. All six winners scored more than 90 points out of a 100, and every member of our Review Committee commented on the extraordinary musicianship of ALL the applicants. We hope that the projects described below will inspire many more talented jazz musicians to apply for a 2027 John Stites Artistic Development Award.

Stephen Harvey – Canvas – An Orchestral Jazz Study and Composition Project.

Stephen Harvey’s project is to compose an orchestral jazz suite for symphonic jazz orchestra, which he plans to premiere in 2028. The goal is to create a seven-movement suite inspired by a survey of African American and African diaspora visual artists. During the composition process, Harvey plans to study with composer Miho Hazama. Harvey believes that the new composition skills he will develop will allow him to better serve all of his ensembles through study, supporting symphonic collaboration, and continuing his focus on reconnecting his audiences with African American culture.

Jihee Heo – Jihee Heo Trio The New York Grind.

Jihee Heo plans to use her award to support her exploration of jazz improvisation, gospel-influenced harmony, and electronic music technology. Through mentorship, private study, and hands-on work with Ableton Live, she aims to develop new approaches to composition and performance that integrate acoustic and electronic segments. The project is designed to help her expand her artistic voice, create innovative performance concepts, and develop a distinctive musical identity that bridges jazz tradition and contemporary sound.

Takumi Kakimoto – Jazz Composition Mentorship with Miho Hazama.

With support from a John Stites Jazz Award, Takumi Kakimoto will undertake a year- long mentorship with composer, arranger, and conductor Miho Hazama. Their work will focus on large-ensemble jazz composition, orchestration, and professional rehearsal methods. Kakimoto plans to develop works for a large chamber jazz ensemble and a jazz symphonic orchestra. Mr. Kakimoto will also observe Hazama’s productions with the Danish Radio Big Band and Metropole Orkest and apply what he learns to his own scores and a developmental ensemble reading. Kakimoto believes these experiences will significantly support his artistic and career development as a jazz composer and bandleader.

Eunmi Lee – Advanced Studies in Korean-Informed Large Ensemble Jazz Composition.

Eunmi Lee’s John Stites Jazz Award will support a year of advanced study in large- ensemble jazz composition, orchestration, rhythmic design, and improvisation. Through sustained mentorship with composer and bandleader John Yao, Lee plans to develop original music for her 17-piece jazz orchestra while strengthening her approach to form, voicing, notation, rhythmic clarity, and ensemble interaction. She believes consultations with a Korean traditional music specialist will deepen her understanding of rhythmic cycles, accent structures, and melodic phrasing. Two closed developmental readings will allow her to test and revise the music while developing a more distinctive, rigorous, and culturally grounded artistic language.

Daniel Neville – Jazz Vibraphone Studies with Stefon Harris, Ari Hoenig, and Samuel Torres.

Daniel Neville’s award will fund a year-long study of personalized mentorship with three recognized New York City jazz masters whose key skillsets offer vital growth to his career as a composer, performer, and arranger who centers atypical vibraphone and marimba de chonta instruments. Samuel Torres offers arranging and compositional training blending Western classical, Colombian folkloric, and jazz elements. Ari Hoenig brings advanced rhythm, groove, and time-feel. And Stefon Harris provides vibraphone technique, artistry, and ear training. The studies will culminate in six mentor-attended rehearsals with his nonet and jazz big band where mentors give feedback on artistry, technique, composition, and bandleading.

Katie Webster – Further Developing a Distinct Compositional Voice Through Mentorship and Ensemble Workshop.

Katie Webster plans to develop a new body of original compositions for quintet through mentorship, immersive study, and rehearsals. At the center of the project is an eight- lesson mentorship with saxophonist/composer Ingrid Laubrock. Through her mentorship, Webster will investigate compositional strategies such as various forms of notation, extended techniques, and structuring improvised material. Participation in the School of Improvised Music Workshop paired with lessons with ten different New York- based composers will complement her studies through diverse perspectives on composition, while expanding her professional network. Five quintet rehearsals will provide the opportunity to test and refine new pieces within the ensemble. The applications were scored by an independent Review Committee composed of professional jazz musicians with national and international experience. JSJA has awarded more than $500,000 in the last 6 years. The 2027 Award cycle will begin on February 15. JSJA plans to award an additional $75,000 to another group of outstanding applicants in September 2027. Information on the 2027 award timeline will be available on our website in early February. If you have questions, please submit them using the Contact form on the website. The Board of the JSJAO thanks all the 2026 applicants for their participation. We encourage anyone with an idea that supports professional exceptionalism in jazz music to apply.

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