Gender Defying Jazz workshop series Performance

Gender Defying Jazz (GDJ)

Gender Defying Jazz (GDJ) is a program run by Andrea Keller, Head of Jazz & Improvisation at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne.

The program is dedicated to creating a safe learning environment and supportive community for female-identifying and gender-diverse musicians interested in exploring jazz and improvisation.

Based in Melbourne, Australia, the annual workshops are delivered over six Sundays during Term 4. Participants perform in ensembles alongside alumni and undergraduate students from the Jazz & Improvisation degree program.

Throughout the workshops, participants engage in a rich variety of jazz and improvisation studies — ranging from free improvisation to tunes from the American songbook and compositions by contemporary Australian jazz musicians.

The workshop series culminates in a live performance at The Jazzlab, presented as part of the Melbourne Women’s International Jazz Festival in December.

Presented by MWIJF in conjunction with major partner the University of Melbourne.