Monash University Jazz and Improvisation Postgraduate Award

OVERVIEW

As a result of the generosity and vision of an anonymous donor, the Jazz and Improvisation Research Program in the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance annually offers the Monash University Jazz and Improvisation Postgraduate Award.

Monash University is the largest university in Australia and regularly ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide. Monash has six globally networked campuses and international alliances in Europe and Asia.

AWARD

The award is in two parts: 1) the successful applicant will receive a prize payment of $5,000, and 2) the successful applicant will perform within the Monash Art Ensemble (MAE) within 12 months of the award (as appropriate to instrumentation/repertoire), in at least one season as discussed with MAE director.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence in jazz and/or improvisation research in any musical genre.
  • The successful candidate is supervised by researchers within the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance.
  • Applicants need to have successfully completed their confirmation milestone.
  • Previous winners are not eligible to enter.
  • Awards will not be awarded in the case that no applicant meets the criteria.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The application will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Quality of research
  • Quality of performance/composition (as applicable)

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Submit 2026 applications via THIS form.

The application shall include:

  • A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability and alignment with the school's areas of research focus.
  • A research proposal not exceeding 400 words in length (and recorded performance up to 8 minutes duration, if applicable) outlining:
    • 1) Their research focus (approx 100 words)
    • 2) How this prize will support their research practice (approx 200 words)
    • 3) Plans to spend the monetary award (approx 100 words);
  • A curriculum vitae, including a list of any publications, such as writing, creative works, performances, recordings, conference presentations, and relevant work experience.
  • A budget outline using the provided fields in this form.

IMPORTANT DATES

Applications due: 12 noon AEST, Friday 27 March 2026
Notification of application outcome: COB Monday 6 April 2026
*If required, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via Zoom. The communication of outcomes will be sent through an email to each applicant.

REPORTING

The recipient of the award is required to submit a brief report (300 words) on their activities and accomplishments in relation to the proposed research by 15 November 2026.

ENQUIRIES  

Enquiries concerning topics for research should be directed in the first instance to Associate Professor Robert Burke by email: Robert.Burke@monash.edu.