Time is running out for graduate students and recent PhDs to submit their work for the prestigious Neil Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award. With the June 30 deadline fast approaching, the IBMA Foundation is making a final call for high-quality, bluegrass-related academic papers or thesis projects accepted by a juried conference over the past year.
Designed to elevate bluegrass research within higher education, this annual prize honors the legacy of Bluegrass Hall of Fame member and legendary historian Neil V. Rosenberg, PhD.
The Prize & Eligibility
The 2026 recipient to be announced in early August will receive a $1,000 honorarium and complimentary admission to the IBMA Business Conference and Music Awards Show this October in Chattanooga.
Eligible emerging scholars include current MA or PhD students, as well as recent doctoral graduates (within five years of completing their degree).
A Legacy of Academic Excellence
Originally launched in 2011, the award was first awarded to Benjamin Krakauer, PhD, who is an adjunct professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and prior to that, was Chair of the Music Program at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Last year’s recipient was Nathaniel Mitchell, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music Theory at Delaware University. We invite you to read past winning papers and explore the history of the award on our website here.
Sponsor Spotlight: Paolo Dettwiler
We extend our sincere appreciation to Paolo Dettwiler, the generous sponsor of both the 2025 and 2026 awards. Paolo is a prominent leader in the Swiss and European bluegrass community, and has been recognized as a “Kentucky Colonel” by the Commonwealth of Kentucky for his contributions to promoting Kentucky’s musical heritage abroad. Paolo’s sponsorship bridges the gap between academic study and global bluegrass community-building.
How to Submit
Don’t let this opportunity pass by. To be considered for the 2026 award, please email your entries to info@bluegrassfoundation.org no later than June 30.
RETURN to the June 2026 issue of The Cornerstone.
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