ABOUT THE AWARD
JRMA is playing an important role in redressing the gender imbalance in the field of jazz performance and giving important assistance to young female musicians at the beginning of their careers. There has been a marked increase in the number and overall quality of female jazz musicians in Sydney since JRMA began and we are proud to contribute to this important change. Founded in 2005, JRMA provides a professional development opportunity for an outstanding young female jazz musician. The 2019 winner was guitarist Hilary Geddes.
The award nominees are selected from recommendations made by music educators, performers and previous JRMA winners. An expert panel selects the winner from a shortlist of nominees. (Please note, musicians cannot apply for the Award themselves.)
The winner receives:
Financial and in-kind assistance to develop and present their proposed project.
Assistance with developing a professional PR kit.
Performances at jazz venues and/or festivals. This is usually at the Sydney International Women’s Festival and the Melbourne Women’s International Jazz Festival.
Recording session, usually in partnership with ABCJazz.
A significant aspect of the Award is assistance with developing a media package and each of the recipients receive a photo shoot. Photos have been used for promotion and artwork for CDs. For many years Karen Steains has been the official photographer and in 2019 with Hilary Geddes as recipient, Camille Walsh stepped in.
The Award is named in honour of the late jazz pianist Jann Rutherford, and is funded by private donations in partnership with the Mietta Foundation, Melbourne International Women's Jazz Festival (MIWJF), Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA), and ABCJazz.