ABOUT
The Helpmann Academy Award for Voice supports and inspires the dreams, plans and aspirations for the future of South Australia’s emerging vocalists.
Vocalists who are final year students or graduates from selected programs from the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide are invited to apply.
Valued at $5,000, the recipient will be empowered to seek out unique training in their area of interest, develop work, record or tour, gain valuable experience, and build networks. The funding provides the opportunity for the recipient to develop their skills and experience, locally, nationally, or internationally.
The recipient can also undertake significant activities that align with their career objectives and facilitate the next steps in achieving their goals.
This award will be presented at our annual ‘A Night of Jazz’ event which includes our 2025 Jazz Awards and concert. The recipient of the award will be required to rehearse and perform with our guest artist and the top graduating musicians from Elder Conservatorium of Music, on Saturday 16 August at Ukaria.
The Helpmann Academy Award for Voice, generously funded by Dr Rob Lyons, aims to support and inspire our state’s most promising, emerging vocalists.
If you are eligible, you can also apply for the Helpmann Academy Langley Award for Jazz, at the same time! Click here for more details.
WHO CAN APPLY
Emerging vocalists eligible to apply will meet the following criteria.
Must be final year students or graduates (within five years following their final year of study) from the following programs at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide:
- Bachelor of Music (all majors)
- Bachelor of Music Theatre
Honours graduates are eligible if they are within five years of graduation (if Honours was undertaken in direct succession from your undergraduate degree).
Individuals, partnerships or groups can apply – provided all artists are eligible for Helpmann Academy support
WHAT TYPE OF ACTIVITY CAN BE UNDERTAKEN
The award is designed to support an emerging vocalist to take the next step in their career development.
Applicants are encouraged to thoughtfully consider the progression they would like to take in their career development, and research what opportunities might be available to help facilitate this.
Opportunities should offer the right education or experience to provide pivotal development, not available in South Australia. The activity could be made up of multiple opportunities or focused on one for an extended period. These activities could include:
- Lessons with acclaimed teachers or at renowned institutions (funding cannot be used for formal study such as Masters)
- Mentorships with acclaimed musician’s interstate or overseas
- Recording
- Touring
- Residencies or internships
- Industry conferences
- Other professional development opportunities
APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Before commencing your application, please ensure that you are eligible to apply.
When completing your application, clearly answer all the questions and provide the required support material.
The application is made up of three questions requiring written responses. They are:
- Tell us about yourself! Include professional experience to date, any awards you have received, successful grant applications, details of any productions and key artists you’ve worked with
- Tell us about your intended program of career development – we want you to tell us what you want to do
- Outline the expected outcomes of undertaking your proposed program by telling us why this particular activity will be beneficial for the advancement of your career and how you intend to utilise the knowledge and experience gained – essentially, tell us why you want to do it
The required support material is outlined in the application form and includes:
- Artist CV (s) (maximum two pages)
- Academic transcript (s)
- A budget outlining all expenses associated with the program, clearly showing how these expenses will be covered. Budgets must be formatted using the Helpmann Academy budget template.
- Timeline of the proposed activity (activity must take place between 1 November 2025 and 30 Jun 2026
- Up to three MP3 or MP4 recordings of you performing.
In addition to the required support material, applicants are welcome to also provide additional material they feel will support their application. You can include optional support material such as:
- Endorsement letters* from a current or former lecturer on letterhead (if within one to three years post-graduation), or a letter from an industry peer (if within four to five years post-graduation).
- Confirmation of your proposed activity (i.e., confirmation of your place at a school, letter of support from a mentor etc). If confirmed at time of application.
- Reviews/press coverage of past work.
- Other support material (e.g. further letters of endorsement, showreels etc).
* It is highly recommended to organise and request your reference letter as soon as you start to put your application together and in plenty of time before the application due date.
Interested applicants are encouraged to talk to us to discuss your proposed application. We are happy to provide guidance and advice on how you might be able to refine your proposed program and application. We find that a friendly discussion about your project will help you refine and strengthen your application.
Please contact the Helpmann Academy on (08) 7089 0720 or info@helpmannacademy.com.au to make an appointment. Phone or Teams meetings are welcome.
CONSULTATION AND GUIDANCE
Applicants are encouraged to discuss their application prior to submitting, please feel free to reach out to Helpmann Academy and book a time for an informal discussion about your project.
Our Program Manager Debbie Pryor can discuss how the grant fits in with your practice and ambition. We can provide feedback on how you might be able to refine your proposed idea before submitting your final application.
To book a 30-minute consultation, please use our online booking form or call us on (08) 7089 0720.
ASSESSMENT
The successful applicant will clearly demonstrate how their proposed program will contribute to their professional development. Applications will be assessed based on the high level of artistic merit, the positive impact of the award to the artist’s practice, and the viability and value of the applicant’s proposed program.
A panel facilitated by the Helpmann Academy will assess applications based on:
- The impact the program will have on the artistic practice of the applicant.
- The provision of a clear outline of why the chosen program is beneficial to the applicant’s career development at this point.
- How the applicant will maximise the opportunity.
- A demonstrated commitment to learning.
- The personal and professional qualities the applicant is able to contribute.
- Professional standard of application.
Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview.
CONDITIONS OF THE AWARD
- Funding is not provided for any equipment, freight, musical instruments, or any support directly related to a student’s current course or requirements for a Masters or PhD.
- Funding is not provided for projects already started or completed (i.e., there is no retrospective funding).
- The recipient must undertake the program of activity 1 November 2025 and 30 Jun 2026.
- The recipient will be required to provide the Helpmann Academy with at least two email updates throughout the duration of the program and provide a final acquittal report within six-weeks of the completion of the program.
- If there are any changes to the proposed program or budget, the recipient must notify the Helpmann Academy immediately and await approval before continuing.
Upon request, the successful recipient may be asked to publicly share their experiences and outcomes of receiving the Helpmann Academy Award for Voice.
For more information contact the Helpmann Academy on 08 7089 0720 or email info@helpmannacademy.com.au
Image: Courteney Hooper performing. Photography by Sam Roberts.