Congratulations to the 2026 Billy Strayhorn Jazz Education Scholarship Award recipient from Temple University: Anthony Aldissi

Billy Strayhorn Songs Inc. and the Billy Strayhorn Foundation congratulates our 2026 Billy Strayhorn Scholarship recipient from Temple University, Anthony Aldissi. Anthony, who is originally from the St. Petersburg-Clearwater area of Florida, is a masterful pianist who is in his last year of grad school. From a young age, Anthony says that it was his mother who was very encouraging, as well as piano playing being a creative outlet.

Anthony, who will graduate with a masters degree in jazz piano and performance, enjoys playing in jam sessions and gigs that take him from Philly to New York City to Boston. Anthony is honored to receive this award named for Billy Strayhorn, who is one of his favorite composers. He has enjoyed his time at Temple, saying…”Temple has been really great, inclusive and musically inspiring.” Among piano greats, Anthony also finds inspiration from Chick Corea, Joey Calderraza, Mulgrew Miller, Sullivan Fortner and Aaron Parks.

To Anthony, we again give kudos and we wish him nothing but the best as he keeps moving “Ever Up and Onward!”