Monash University Jazz and Improvisation Prize

ABOUT

The composition will be judged in the context of the performance, with a focus on its strength as a vehicle for:

  • Arrangement
  • Improvisation
  • Originality and variety
  • Strength (and variation) of melodic, harmonic, structural (form) and rhythmic content.

The winner will be awarded $1000.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Performers must be enrolled Monash students.
  • Entrants must be enrolled in the undergraduate degree in Jazz and Improvisation Studies (this includes Honours students)
  • Performance of the composition must be with an ensemble comprised of other undergraduate Jazz and Popular Studies students (this includes Honours students).
  • The composer does not need to be one of the performers but must introduce the composition in the class.

SUBMISSIONS

The competition involves two stages:

Stage One – Students are required to submit two files by Monday 24 August via THIS form:

1. File 1. A score of an original composition in PDF format submitted via a link in this form. Computer generated or legible handwritten scores are both acceptable.

2. File 2. An audio or video recording of the composition in Mp3 or Mp4 format. The audio can be generated by midi or music notation programs such as Sibelius or MuseScore.

  • Up to five finalists will be selected and notified by email.
Stage Two – The finalists will perform in the Week 8 Jazz Creative Practice Class (Auditorium), 12-2pm, Tuesday 15 September.
  • The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the event.
  • Feedback will be provided to the finalists

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • The Jazz and Improvisation prize will be awarded to only one student.
  • The composition must be original, and be the unassisted conceptual work of the entrant, other than receiving general guidance or advice from a teacher or mentor. Contra facts (original melodies based on an existing chord sequence) are acceptable, however must exhibit high level of creative arrangement.
  • The composition must be written for an ensemble comprised of between 2-8 performers
  • The composition must be designed for performances of strictly 4-10 minutes duration, and designated 'open' sections for solos are permitted in the score. Performances exceeding the 10-minute time frame will incur penalties.
  • The composition and performance can include sections for either ensemble or solo improvisation
  • The score can either be in 'lead-sheet' format or have each individual instrument notated. In either instance, refer to the judging criteria.
  • The judges' decisions are final in all respects.
  • All copyright ownership of the compositions will remain the composers.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Applications due: Monday 24 August 2026.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Stage 1:
Notated compositions (scores) will be judged on:
  • Strength (and variation) of melodic, harmonic, structural (form) and rhythmic content
  • Originality
  • Notational layout
Stage 2:The composition will be judged in the context of the performance, with a focus on its strength as a vehicle for:
  • Arrangement
  • Improvisation
  • Originality and variety
  • Strength (and variation) of melodic, harmonic, structural (form) and rhythmic content.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • SUBMISSIONS: The deadline for all entries is Monday 24 August.
  • FINALISTS NOTIFIED: The finalists will be  notified via email by Tuesday 1 September.
  • PERFORMANCE: The finalists will perform in the Week 8 Jazz Creative Practice Class (Auditorium), 12-2pm, Tuesday 15 September.

INQUIRIES

If you have questions about this prize, please contact Dr Paul Williamson at Paul.Williamson@monash.edu.