Geoffrey Whitelaw Emerging Composer Grant

About the grant

The 2023 Geoffrey Whitelaw Emerging Composer Grant will be awarded to enable the recipient to compose a work for the Monash Art Ensemble or Monash School of Music and Performance Big Band.  This may include a premiere public performance and, where possible, a recording.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in the Bachelor of Music at Monash University.

Selection criteria

The grant will be awarded on the quality of the composition,  with the ultimate goal being that the composer demonstrates elements of jazz or contemporary art music with consideration of:

• Originality
• Orchestration (for either Big Band or the Monash Art Ensemble)
• Strength of the melodic, harmonic and rhythmic content.
• The total duration of the work should be between 5-8 minutes.

Orchestration

• Big Band: alto sax 1 & 2; tenor sax 1 & 2; baritone sax; trombone; guitar; piano; bass; drums.
• Monash Art Ensemble:  alto sax 1 & 2; tenor sax 1 & 2; optional woodwind doubles: flute/ soprano sax/ clarinet/ bass clarinet; trombones 1 & 2; trumpets 1 & 2;  piano and/or guitar; double bass; drums; percussion (optional); violin (optional); voice (optional); laptop/ electronics (optional).

Assessment and Copyright

• The judges' decisions are final in all respects,  and feedback will not be provided to applicants.
• All copyright and master recording ownership of the compositions/productions will remain with the composer/producer.

Grant funding

One grant will be offered each year with a value of $2,000, paid in a single instalment.

Submission requirements

Applicants are required to:
a/ Complete THIS google form and
b/ Provide accessible links to submissions, these being three (3) document materials that showcase the composition of the original work:

1. An excerpt (1-2 minutes) of audio for the proposed original work (.mp3 audio/MIDI file)
2. An excerpt of the score for the proposed original work (.pdf)
3. No more than 250 words describing the original work (.pdf)

Submission deadline

Monday, 22 May 2023 (date extended)
*Please note - All submissions must be received in their entirety prior to the closing date.

Reporting

A report (500 words max) including an acquittal of expenses must be submitted prior to March 31 in the year following the grant funding.

Important dates