Announcing the Regina Carter Scholarship A Full-Tuition Scholarship for Creative Strings Workshop & Festival
As we celebrate the 25th year of Creative Strings Workshop & Festival, we’re pleased to announce a new full-tuition scholarship inspired by one of the most important creative string players of our time:
The Regina Carter Scholarship.
This scholarship is for women, girls, and non-binary bowed string players who are pursuing — or seriously exploring — a path as improvising musicians, composers, performers, or creative artists.
If you play violin, viola, cello, or bass, and you’re interested in jazz, improvisation, folk, R&B, world music, original composition, or any musical path beyond the traditional classical lane, we’d love to hear from you.
Creative Strings Workshop has always existed for players who want to find their own voice, teachers who want to bring more creativity to their students, and musicians who want to expand their language, explore new sounds, and grow beyond a single category.
Regina Carter
Regina Carter has helped expand what is possible on the violin — bringing together jazz, storytelling, tradition, improvisation, and a deeply personal sound.
She represents the spirit of this scholarship.
When Regina joined Christian Howes on the Creative Strings Podcast, she shared a story about being criticized for wanting to play jazz. In a masterclass with Yehudi Menuhin, another teacher warned her that jazz would ruin her career.
Menuhin said:
“Leave her alone.”
That moment says a lot.
Many musicians know what it feels like to be told, directly or indirectly, that their instincts don’t belong.
That playing Jazz or any non-classical style is somehow less serious than traditional training.
We disagree.
For 25 years, Creative Strings Workshop has created space for string players to explore, experiment, grow, and become more complete musicians.
What the Scholarship Includes
The Regina Carter Scholarship provides full tuition to attend Creative Strings Workshop & Festival.
Scholarship recipients will take part in the full workshop experience, including classes, coached ensembles, improvisation training, jam sessions, mentorship, and community activities.
At Creative Strings Workshop, participants work on practical creative skills including:
- Improvisation
- Harmony
- Groove and rhythm
- Creative arranging
- Jazz, folk/fiddle/Americana, blues, Latin, R&B, and other styles
- Building confidence as a creative musician
This is a hands-on environment.
You will play, experiment, be challenged, and be supported.
And you’ll be surrounded by other like-minded musicians.
Who Should Apply?
This scholarship is open to women, girls, and non-binary musicians who play violin, viola, cello, or double bass.
- You do not need to be fully developed.
- You do not need a polished studio recording.
- You do not need to have everything figured out.
We are looking for a track record of curiosity, commitment, musical imagination, and a serious desire to grow.
How to Apply
To apply for the Regina Carter Scholarship, email:
Please include:
- A short introduction
- A little about your musical background
- Why you are interested in improvisation, composition, or creative string playing
- One to three samples of your playing
Your recordings do not need to be professionally produced. Phone videos, YouTube links, simple audio files, or other easy-to-access recordings are fine.
Help Support the Scholarship
If you’re not applying but would like to support this mission, we welcome your help.
Scholarships like this are possible because of people who believe music education should be more accessible.
Your donation helps remove financial barriers for musicians who are ready to grow but may not otherwise be able to attend.
To support the Regina Carter Scholarship Fund, please donate here:
To apply or ask questions, email:
