Students at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette can now apply for financial aid to study the accordion through a new scholarship honoring the “King of Zydeco.”
The Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship is currently accepting applications from full-time students across all majors and class levels, provided they maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. According to louisiana.edu, the award covers tuition for two credit hours of individual zydeco accordion instruction per semester for two consecutive semesters.
This initiative was established to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Clifton Chenier’s birth. The scholarship was created by Valcour Records in partnership with C.J. Chenier and the Chenier family estate. Funding for the program is supported by proceeds from A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, a Valcour Records release that earned the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album, alongside contributions from various community organizations.
A legacy of musical innovation
Clifton Chenier, a native of Opelousas, transformed the music of southwest Louisiana. He achieved this by blending traditional Creole music with blues, rhythm and blues, and other diverse influences, eventually becoming widely recognized as the father of modern zydeco.
The scholarship aims to ensure that this specific cultural sound survives by placing instruments in the hands of younger musicians. Joel Savoy, the founder of Valcour Records and a co-producer of the Grammy-winning tribute album, emphasized the long-term goal of the project.
“Clifton Chenier changed the course of Louisiana music, and his influence continues to reach musicians around the world,” said Joel Savoy. “This album was about celebrating that legacy, but we also wanted it to have a lasting impact. Through this scholarship, we’re helping put the accordion in the hands of the next generation of musicians.”
The influence of Chenier has been compared to legendary figures such as Louis Armstrong, Bill Monroe, and Robert Johnson. His ability to bridge genres helped move zydeco from a regional tradition to a globally recognized sound.
Requirements for aspiring musicians
Applicants do not necessarily need to be experts in the accordion to be considered for the award. The program is designed to foster curiosity and passion for Louisiana’s musical heritage rather than rewarding existing mastery alone.
“One of the most exciting things about this scholarship is that students don’t need to be experienced accordion players to apply,” Dr. Gwendolen von Einsiedel told KLFY.
“We’re looking for students who are curious about zydeco, passionate about Louisiana’s musical traditions and eager to learn. This is an opportunity to study the music in the place where it was born and to become part of its continuing story.”
To apply, students must follow a specific submission process that includes a video component. The requirements are as follows:
- A three- to five-minute video containing a brief introduction.
- An explanation of the student’s interest in zydeco accordion and why the scholarship is meaningful to them.
- A mention of any previous musical experience.
- A performance of a traditional music selection on any instrument.
Videos can be submitted as unlisted YouTube links, or via Vimeo or Google Drive. Interested students should email their links to [email protected]. The deadline for all applications is Dec. 18, 2026, with the scholarship being awarded for the spring 2027 semester.
The A Tribute to the King of Zydeco album, which serves as a financial backbone for the scholarship, features a wide array of talent. KLFY reported that the album includes collaborations between the Rolling Stones and Louisiana accordionist Steve Riley, as well as performances by Lucinda Williams with Tommy McLain and Steve Earle with Anthony Dopsie.
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