About the National Jazz Award

The National Jazz Awards have been a cornerstone of the cultural calendar for 35 years. The Award is designed to provide encouragement and exposure to emerging jazz musicians.

The finalists are given the chance to perform with a world class rhythm section in front of a festival audience on the main stage at Australia's most prestigious jazz event.

Originally conceived as a piano competition, the focus then moved to saxophone, then expanded to embrace a variety of instruments and vocals. It has boosted the careers of many of Australia’s most well renowned musicians as they were establishing themselves in the local and international scene.

A sign of the significance and reputation of the Award is how many Australians living overseas have flown home just to participate.

“Participating in The National Jazz Award when I was 22 changed my life. I shared the stage with Barney McAll for the first time, immediately after he’d shared it with Dewey Redman. The energy and excitement that the awards create is exceptional, not just during the festival, but throughout the year. I made lifelong musical connections that weekend from all over Australia that continue to this day. My parents came with me and have returned to Wangaratta every year since. The opportunity that the National Jazz Awards offer for young players to dream big is a monumental motivation and a milestone in Australian Jazz. It literally changes lives.” Julien Wilson

“The National Jazz Awards are pivotal in creating a sense of purpose for young musicians, especially as such opportunities become increasingly rare. They give up-and-coming artists something to strive toward, and this striving builds artistry. And community.“ Barney McAll

"Being a part of the National Jazz Awards in 1998 was such a huge surprise and game changer for me.I was 28 years old at the time and was trying to hustle a spot for my Quartet in the festival program.I was turned down but invited to apply for the competition. It was the first year that ‘voice’ was the instrument in focus and the interest was huge – from the public and press right from the announcement of the finalists. I went to Wang with no expectations and had such a beautiful time throwing myself into the music and the audience’s energy. My family had travelled over from SA for the weekend and my Dad (who looks a lot like me) was stopped by several jazz punters in the street who said, “You must be Michelle’s Father. We want her to win!”

I met people over that weekend in 1998 who are still fans and friends to this day, including the headline judges, Sheila Jordan (I visited with her in NYC in June) and Kurt Elling (whom I’ve since sung with several times, including 2 performances with him and the MSO!).
Winning the National Jazz Award was life changing.Immediately a bunch of doors opened and I was able to tour my Quartet around the country.It was a firm foundation for building my career which has taken me many places around the world and releasing 10 albums." Michelle Nicolle