Take Note
About Take Note
Now in its eighth year, Take Note is a program that addresses the underrepresentation of women and gender diverse musicians in jazz by celebrating and promoting women and gender diverse leaders on stage and in high schools across Victoria. We believe that ‘if you can see it, you can be it’.
In 2019, MIJF launched the Take Note program to support the career development of a Victorian early to mid-career leader in jazz while championing diversity and encouraging high school-aged musicians to consider a career in jazz performance. Each year, the Take Note Jazz Leader is commissioned and supported to develop new music for presentation at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, and receives a range of professional and artistic development opportunities, as well as having the opportunity to deliver a range of educational activities.
The Take Note initiative is supported by The Harry Kestin Foundation, The Robert Salzer Foundation, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (University of Melbourne), Monash University and ABC Jazz.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival wishes to acknowledge the generous support provided by the late Harry Kestin, who was instrumental in conceiving this program in 2019 and beyond.
2026 Applications Now Open
We have begun the search for an early to mid-career jazz leader to lead the Take Note program into its eighth year.
The successful candidate will receive:
- A $7,500 cash bursary to support the development of new original music to be presented at the 2026 Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
- A performance at the 2026 Melbourne International Jazz Festival (16-25 October), for which the artist will be paid an additional performance fee.
- Ticketing package for MIJF 2026 and networking opportunities based around Festival events.
- Professional and artistic mentoring/development opportunities, shaped around the needs of the Program Leader.
- Regional and metropolitan high school workshop facilitation opportunities for which the artist will be paid an additional facilitation fee (if applicable).
- University workshop engagement for which the artist will be paid an additional facilitation fee.
You are eligible to apply for Take Note if you:
- Are a woman or gender diverse musician
- Identify as an early to mid-career jazz leader
- Reside in Victoria
- Currently work as a professional musician in the Victorian jazz industry
How do we define an early to mid-career jazz leader?
We will accept applications from anyone who self-identifies as an early to mid-career jazz leader. As a guide, you will likely have practiced professionally for less than 15 years, especially in the context of a band/ensemble leader. There are no specific age restrictions or requirements.
Applications are open until 5pm AEDT on Monday 1 December 2025.
Click here to read more about the program and download the application pack.
Submit your application via our application form here.
Any questions? Please contact Merinda Dias-Jayasinha, Associate Producer & Programs Coordinator by emailing merinda@melbournejazz.com or by calling (03) 9001 1388.
Program Alumni
Donate to support Take Note
MIJF is committed to amplifying the impact of this initiative—and aims to bring the program to a growing number of high school students throughout the year in a continued effort to promote cultural change within the sector and the broader community.
We greatly appreciate donations—big and small—towards the annual Take Note program. Your support will ensure more diverse leaders are more visible in leadership roles, inspiring the next generation of women and gender-diverse musicians to lead the way into the future.
Donations of $2 and over are tax-deductible. Donate online today or contact our team on (03) 9001 1388.