ISB Scholarships and Competitions (International Society of Bassists)

The International Society of Bassists (ISB) offers a $10,000 Jane Little Scholarship for female double bass majors entering college as freshmen, plus biennial performance, composition, and research competitions with prizes up to $5,000. Founded by double bass virtuoso Gary Karr in 1967, the ISB has nearly 3,000 members in over 40 countries and publishes the triannual magazine Bass World.

How ISB Scholarships and Competitions Work

The ISB runs four main funding programs: the Jane Little Scholarship, performance competitions, composition competitions, and research competitions. Performance and composition competitions are held biennially at the ISB Convention, while the Jane Little Scholarship and research competition run annually or on their own cycles.

Jane Little Scholarship

Established in 2022 with support from an anonymous donor. Given annually to a female double bass major entering college as a freshman.

• Award: $10,000 USD
• Eligibility: Female double bass players entering their freshman year of college
• Named after: Jane Little, former member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and one of the longest-serving professional orchestra musicians in the world
• 2026 recipient: Marfa Baratava of Wroclaw, Poland, accepted to study at San Francisco Conservatory, Eastman, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and University of Denver
• Selection: Chaired by Tom Knific, with a scholarship committee reviewing musical achievement, character, statements, and references

Performance Competitions (Biennial)

Held during the ISB Convention across eight divisions. The 2025 competition was held at Florida State University. The next convention is scheduled for 2027.

• Solo Division: Gary Karr Prize of $5,000 (first), $2,500 (second), $1,000 (third), plus $500 for best performance of the required commissioned piece
• Jazz Division: Scott LaFaro Prize of $5,000
• Orchestra Division: Scott Haigh Prize of $2,500, plus an expenses-paid week with the Houston Symphony
• Youth Solo (ages 15-18): $2,500 (first), $1,000 (second), $500 (third)
• Youth Jazz (ages 15-18): $500 (third)
• Youth Orchestra (ages 15-18): $2,500 (first), $500 (third)
• Age 14 and Under: $500 (first), $250 (second), $100 (third)
• Age 10 and Under: $500 (first), $250 (second), $100 (third)

Composition Competition

Biennial competition with four divisions, each receiving $1,000 from The Robert Black Foundation.

• Solo Division: $1,000
• Bass Ensemble Division: $1,000
• Chamber Ensemble Division: $1,000
• Bass with Media Division: $1,000

Research Competition (2026)

Biennial competition for previously unpublished papers relevant to the double bass.

• Grand Prize: $1,000 in each of two divisions (Professional and Student)
• Topics: Historical musicology, classical or jazz performance practice, pedagogy, lutherie, iconography, biography, analysis
• Deadline: August 1, 2026 (anonymous online entries)
• Winners announced: On or shortly after September 1, 2026
• Publication: Winning papers published in the Online Journal of Bass Research

Real-World Example

A 17-year-old female double bass player accepted to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music could apply for the Jane Little Scholarship in 2026. If selected, she receives $10,000 toward her freshman year tuition. At the San Francisco Conservatory, annual tuition exceeds $50,000, so the scholarship covers roughly 20% of her first-year costs. She would also gain recognition from the ISB community, which can lead to performance opportunities at future conventions.

A 25-year-old doctoral student researching historical bass pedagogy could submit an unpublished paper to the 2026 Research Competition by August 1, 2026. If selected as the Professional Division grand prize winner, he receives $1,000, presents his research at the next ISB Convention, and gets published in the Online Journal of Bass Research.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

The Jane Little Scholarship is one of the largest single awards available to double bass players at the college entry level. At $10,000, it can cover a substantial portion of tuition at a state university or reduce the financial burden at a private conservatory. The performance competitions offer up to $5,000 in the solo and jazz divisions, which can fund a year of private lessons or instrument maintenance.

If you are a female double bass player entering college, apply for the Jane Little Scholarship. Prepare a strong application with references from your teacher and evidence of your musical achievements. For the research competition, submit your paper anonymously by August 1, 2026. For performance competitions, check the ISB website for the next convention cycle (2027) and start preparing repertoire at least 12 months in advance.

Related Opportunities

• IDRS Competitions for oboe and bassoon players
• IHS Awards for horn players
• Music Scholarships Directory for the full list of funding opportunities
• Music Schools Directory to find double bass programs worldwide
• Visit the ISB website for official competition details
• Visit the ISB Research Competition page for 2026 guidelines