Once again this year, there will be two academies: a main academy responsible for awarding prizes for all releases of the year and a live academy that will present two live awards.

Who are we looking for in the DMA Jazz Main Academy?

We are seeking performing or creative musicians, industry professionals, journalists, critics, and more from both Denmark and abroad. Members of the academy must not have been involved in any of the nominated records (released between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025). The academy aims for broad representation in terms of gender, age, geography, and connections to different corners of the jazz world.

The Main Academy, which evaluates six release categories, consists of nine members, up to four of whom may be from abroad.

As a member of the DMA Jazz Main Academy, you commit to:

• Listening to and assessing all jazz releases of the year, which last year totaled 220 albums. The listening and voting period runs from May 15 – October 30, 2025.

• Attending a physical voting meeting on Wednesday, September 30, 2025, from 12:00 to 16:00 in Copenhagen.

The Main Academy will evaluate the following categories:

• Jazz Release of the Year

• Jazz Composer of the Year

• Musician of the Year

• New Jazz Artist of the Year

• Single of the Year

• Alternative Jazz Release of the Year

You can read more about the categories here.

Members of the Main Academy receive a fee of 6,000 DKK, two tickets to DMA Jazz 2025, and transport coverage for the show and meetings.

Who are we looking for in the DMA Jazz Live Academy?

We are seeking performing or creative musicians, industry professionals, journalists, critics, and more from Denmark who are well-versed in the live jazz scene and attend a significant number of concerts each year.

The Live Academy focuses on two live awards – Venue of the Year and Live Act of the Year. Members must not have been involved in any of the live performances they nominate. The academy aims for broad representation in terms of gender, age, geography, and affiliations within different areas of jazz. The DMA Jazz Live Academy consists of seven members.

As a member of the DMA Jazz Live Academy, you commit to:

• Nominating three venues and three live acts for each of the two awards. The nomination period runs from October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025.

• Attending a physical voting meeting on Thursday, October 7, 2025, from 12:00 to 16:00 in Copenhagen.

The Live Academy evaluates the following categories:

• Venue of the Year

• Live Act of the Year

You can read more about the categories here.

Members of the Live Academy receive a fee of 2,000 DKK or reimbursement of concert tickets up to 2,000 DKK, two tickets to DMA Jazz 2025, and transport coverage for the show and meetings.

How do I apply to join an academy?

To be considered for one of the DMA Jazz academies, you must submit an application via the link below. The deadline is Monday, April 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Apply here

If selected, you will receive an email with further details no later than week 19.

You may apply for both academies, but you can only be selected for one.

Who selects the academy members?

The academies are assembled by Jazz Danmark’s secretariat and board. This Open Call is one of the tools we use to expand our reach and discover new, talented academy members.

Stay updated on our website and through Jazz Danmark’s newsletter for more information on the show, awards, program, and hosts.