The Helpmann Academy Award for Voice supports and inspires the future endeavours of South Australia’s emerging vocalists.
Graduates or final year students from selected programs at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide, are invited to apply.
Generously supported by Dr Rob Lyons, the $5,000 award will empower the recipient to train in their area of interest, develop work, record, tour, gain valuable experience, and build networks. The funding enables the vocalist to develop their skills and experience, locally, nationally, or internationally.
The recipient can also undertake important activities that align with their career objectives and facilitate the next steps in achieving their goals. Additionally, they will rehearse and perform with our guest artist and the top graduating musicians from Elder Conservatorium of Music at the Helpmann Academy’s annual jazz concert.
Vocalist, composer and multi-instrumentalist Courteney Hooper (pictured) was the Helpmann Academy Award for Voice 2024 recipient.
Since 2019, she has performed at local venues and festivals including Adelaide Jazz Festival, WOMAD, International Jazz Day at Dunstan Playhouse, Fringe in The Forest, Rootstock Festival, and The Local. In 2022, she was a recipient of The Barn Emerging Artist’s Scholarship for her original compositions.
After years of writing and performing her own music, the award was critical in empowering Courteney to move forward in the industry and accomplish her goals.
“Having the opportunity to record my debut album of original music that I have been writing and performing for over five years will be nothing short of life changing. This has been a lifelong aspiration, and I am filled with gratitude for the generous support from the Helpmann Academy and Dr Rob Lyons in making this happen.” – Courteney Hooper, Helpmann Academy Award for Voice 2024 recipient.
Applications are encouraged from the following programs at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide:
- Bachelor of Music (all majors)
- Bachelor of Music Theatre
We are delighted to continue our support of final year students and graduates for up to five years from their official conferral dates. Graduates and final year students from the listed programs above can apply for this award, provided the activity takes place after your studies have been completed. Honours students from these programs can apply, provided their honours program has been completed directly following their undergraduate degree.
Check your eligibility here.
View the Information for Applicants to read the application questions and further information. Interested applicants are encouraged to get in touch to discuss how we can help with your application. To book a 30-minute consult, please use our online booking form or call us on (08) 7089 0720.
KEY DATES:
Applications open Monday 12 May 2025
Applications closed Sunday 29 June 2025 at 11:59pm
Award activity: between 1 November 2025 and 30 June 2026
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Helpmann Academy (08) 7089 0720 / info@helpmannacademy.com.au
AWARD PARTNER
The Helpmann Academy Award for Voice, generously funded by Dr Rob Lyons, aims to support and inspire our state’s most promising, emerging vocalists.
Image: Courteney Hooper performing. Photography by Sam Roberts.