Young Women's Jazz Workshops
The program
Jazz is about communication, expression, and speaking freely through your instrument. The widespread genre is one that’s evolved more than most because change is supported rather than ridiculed. Maybe you’ll be the one to lead the next great change!
Are you a young female-identifying, or LGBTQIA+ instrumentalist?! Do you want to bop like Terri Lyne Carrington, groove like Nubya Garcia, or sing like Esperanza Spalding – then this course is for you!
Developed in partnership with Dr. Sandy Evans OAM in 2002, the Young Women’s Jazz Workshops have played a transformative role for countless musicians aged 12 and up around Australia.
Our eight-week program accommodates players of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, regardless of their prior knowledge of jazz, and has been crafted to inspire young instrumentalists to play jazz and pursue a future in music.
What will I Learn?
DEVELOP the skills and confidence of young women in jazz and improvised instrumental music.
BROADEN knowledge of jazz and improvised music.
INCREASE awareness of career options in jazz and related areas.
ENCOURAGE students to understand audition processes and apply for tertiary jazz courses.
NURTURE and foster friendships, ensembles, and support networks among female jazz musicians.
Who is Eligible?
The course accommodates all levels of jazz experience.
If you can read music and play your instrument, we would love to have you participate.
Students are divided into different groups based on their instrumental ability and knowledge. We ensure all groups are inclusive and welcoming, so could even make some new friends!
We welcome all students, even if you have no knowledge of blues scales or improvisation, as the course serves as a fun entryway into the wonderful world of jazz.
For the more advanced student, the course serves as excellent training and preparation for auditioning for a tertiary jazz program.
Active musicians can use the course to become more confident in soloing and improvising within a supportive and fun learning environment.
These workshops provide a fun and supportive environment for young women wanting to develop confidence improvising. They are especially helpful for those preparing to enter jazz at a tertiary level. Our graduates have gone on to win the prestigious Freedman Jazz Fellowship and perform at the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival.
What is the audition process?
Bring a piece of your choice that you feel confident playing.
It can be any genre and should demonstrate your ability.
We’ll have a chat with you to find out how much basic theory you know (e.g. note names, major/minor)
We’ll ask you to play some scales. Knowledge of some major and minor scales and the blues scale is recommended however if you don’t know any of these yet – you will learn some during the course. Learning some ahead will allow you to make the most of the workshops.
Once the audition is complete, students can head home. When the workshops start, you’ll join an ensemble of musicians at a similar level and start your journey!
Audition Day: Saturday 29 June
Your audition allocates you into the appropriate ensemble for your age and skill level.
If you can’t attend on this day, please email marketing@sima.org.au
Program: Saturdays 10am-1pm, 27 July – 14 September
Venue: Sydney Conservatorium of Music (NSW)
Final Concert: Tuesday 17 September
Enquiries: marketing@sima.org.au or 02 9036 6292
Held in partnership with the Open Academy at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.