September 21, 2022 Submitted by South Shore Conservatory
South Shore Conservatory (SSC) invites applications for the Dave Jodka Scholarship for Future Rockers. Established in 2016, the scholarship offers high school music students the opportunity to participate in a high quality, coached rock band at SSC, underwritten in memory of Dave Jodka, an inspired rock aficionado. The scholarship provides an opportunity for rock students from all backgrounds to learn the art and business of contemporary and rock music and experience the love of music that Jodka inspired in his family and in his life.
Dave Jodka loved to rock. From the moment he attended his first concert, his life was forever changed. Over the course of his life, Jodka grew in musicianship by playing guitar, bass, drums and singing. As an adult, he worked in finance for more than 20 years, but still remained faithful to his pursuits in music. A family man who resided in Scituate with his wife Kathleen and four children, Jodka passed away from cancer, inspiring friends and family to embark on a journey to keep his memory alive through the creation of the Mad Love Music Festival, which premiered at SSC in October 2015. The annual festival features renowned local musicians and activities for music lovers of all ages. Proceeds from Mad Love fund the Dave Jodka Scholarship for Future Rockers.
The Future Rockers scholarship is open to high school student musicians (current and non-SSC students) who are interested in joining a hardworking, active, and committed rock band. The band represents SSC and Future Rockers in the community with public performances at venues such as New World Tavern, the C-Note, and more. Recordings have been featured on WCVB’s Five for Good, and the band has recorded at Mad Oak Studios in Allston.
As a recipient of the Future Rockers Scholarship, students participate in weekly ensemble coaching, recording sessions, songwriting and composition practice, DIY shows with other student-bands, creating and distributing merchandise, and booking venues. Applicants should possess a good mastery of their instrument/voice (at least three years of study), a true passion for working with an ensemble and performing in public and must be willing to commit to the band for a 12-month period from October 2022 through October 2023.
The band will perform at the annual Dave Jodka Mad Love Music Festival in October 2023 at SSC’s Carr Amphitheater in Hingham and perform at other venues throughout the year. Students must be available for coaching for 1-1.5 hours a week. Coaching continues through the summer (with some flexibility), culminating in a three-day intensive. Applicants are required to complete the form at https://sscmusic.org/mad-love-scholarship/and submit a two-minute performance video playing their instrument(s) and/or singing. All application materials are due by October 7, 2023. Applicants selected for a call back audition will be notified by email.
For information about SSC events, performances and programs, please visit sscmusic.org or follow South Shore Conservatory on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.