Jerome Spence Memorial Scholarship

About Jerome Spence

On July 2, 2017, our beloved friend Jerome Spence suddenly passed away. Jerome had an enormous impact on the Hawai'i Songwriting Festival and the music community at large (see his obituary in Billboard here). Jerome was dedicated to creating opportunities for aspiring songwriters and others who wanted to work in the music industry. He consistently gave back to the community, mentoring countless others who shared his passion for music. 

In 2015, after joining the HSF staff for the first time, he spearheaded the first Creative Labs Music Immersive with Secret Road Music, the Hawai'i Songwriting Festival, and the State of Hawai'i. Jerome's determination brought this program to life, and it has had a far-reaching impact on the local songwriting community (see the press release about the program here).

About the Scholarship
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This scholarship was established by Jerome's fiancée, Heather Anderson, to continue Jerome's legacy of supporting and inspiring young songwriters by helping to pay for conference registration and hotel or airfare for the Hawai'i Songwriting Festival or Creative Lab Hawai'i Music Immersive.  Each year, the Jerome Spence Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to one scholarship applicant who is Native Hawaiian, demonstrates financial need, and exemplifies Jerome's hardworking spirit, dedication to establishing a successful career in music, and commitment to giving back to the songwriting community.

If you wish to make a contribution to the scholarship fund, please visit the donation page and indicate in the special instructions that the donation is for the Jerome Spence Memorial Scholarship. ​