The Jacob Neale Jazz Awards are presented by Newcastle Conservatorium of Music in collaboration with the Newcastle Improvised Music Association (NIMA), Adamstown Arts and the Newcastle and Hunter Jazz Club. This annual event is supported by a broad local music community to honour Jacob and provide a platform for new and emerging musicians.
The prizes for the 2025 Jacob Neale Jazz Awards are as follows:
1st Prize - $5000.00
2nd Prize -$2500.00
Eligibility Criteria
1. The competition is open to highly skilled pianists who are Australian citizens. The age limit is 30 inclusive (i.e. if you are 30 or younger on or before 31 December 2025, you are eligible).
2. To enter the competition, contestants must submit recordings of three contrasting pieces, one of each from the categories below (not necessarily in this order):
(a) an original piece
(b) a ballad (standard or original)
(c) a blues (standard or original)
Before applying, please review the terms and conditions of entry here
Entries open at 9:00am Monday 31st March and close on Sunday 1st June 2025.
The finals will be held on Saturday 19th July 2025 at the Harold Lobb Concert Hall, Newcastle Conservatorium between 7pm – 10pm.
If you require further information, please contact conservatorium@newcastle.edu.au
