Gender Defying Jazz (GDJ) is a program run by Andrea Keller, Head of Jazz & Improvisation at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne. Beginning in 2017 and originally called Girls Do Jazz, the name of the program has been changed to Gender Defying Jazz, to more truly reflect our inclusive spirit and aims.

The program creates a safe learning environment and community for female identifying, transgender, and non-binary musicians interested in exploring jazz and improvisation.

Based in Melbourne, Australia, the annual workshops are delivered over six Sundays in term 4 and involve performing in ensembles with alumni and undergraduate students from the Jazz & Improvisation degree. Workshop participants engage in jazz and improvisation studies covering music ranging from free improvisation, to tunes from the American songbook and those by contemporary Australian jazz musicians. The workshop series culminates in a live performance at the Jazzlab, as part of the Melbourne Women’s International Jazz Festival in December. As part of our partnership with MWIJF, we are excited to also offer a small number of complimentary tickets to other Festival performances to our participants.

Registration

The program is designed as a series of five workshops culminating in a live concert - please note that bookings for individual workshops are not available. The application fee is inclusive of all workshops and concert entry on 7 December.

Full $350
Concession $175

Workshop Sessions

All workshop sessions run in the Ian Potter Southbank Centre.

Workshop 1	2 November 2025	2PM-5PM
Workshop 2	9 November 2025	2PM-5PM
Workshop 3	16 November 2025	2PM-5PM
Workshop 4	23 November 2025	2PM-5PM
Workshop 5	30 November 2025	2PM-5PM

Workshop Sessions — Gender Defying Jazz workshop session in the Ian Potter Southbank Centre.

Gender Defying Jazz Concert

Rehearsal and performance at the The Jazzlab, 27 Leslie St, Brunswick

Rehearsal	7 December 2025	2PM-4PM
Concert	7 December 2025	4PM-5PM

Gender Defying Jazz Concert — Gender Defying Jazz concert at The Jazzlab.

Past Participant Highlights

"As soon as I spoke to people at GDJ, my fear of being there completely left. Through GDJ, I met and played with so many new people. Everyone was so friendly and non-judgmental which made the whole workshop an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience. Being able to play in such an environment is an amazing opportunity and I'd recommend it to anyone who can attend!"

"These workshops are so inspiring. I love being in a space where I can explore and collaborate without the boundary of gender. As a non-binary person, I felt really great being in this workshop series- it provided me an opportunity to express myself and meet like-minded musicians. The mentors are fantastic people all round. Would do again!"

"Game-changing. Just one month gave me SO much improvement. A supportive, fun environment without judgement, where us gxrls can explore and create together. ❤️"

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age requirement for participants in the program?
The minimum age requirement for participants is 12 years old.

I'm a singer, do I need to play an instrument to participate?
Both instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome!

Am I a good enough musician to participate?
We work with a broad spectrum of abilities and workshop sessions cover foundational theory, exploration of improvisation and a repertoire of standards and contemporary Australian jazz music.

I can't attend one of the days, can I still sign up?
The program is designed as a series of five workshops culminating in a live concert- please note that bookings for individual days are not available and the application fee is inclusive of all workshops.

Are there any discounts available for students?
There is a concession option available for full time students and Government issued concession card holders (eg. Health Care Card).

I have a different question, who can I contact?
Please contact fineartsmusic-tickets@unimelb.edu.au with your questions. Please note this inbox is monitored Monday to Friday, 9AM-5PM.

What do I need to bring to the workshops and concert?
All participants will be advised what they need bring to the workshop sessions prior to commencement of the series, but generally we ask that you wear something you feel comfortable to sit, play and move in, and bring your instrument and a water bottle.

PARKING

The City of Melbourne has recently changed the parking restrictions around the Southbank Campus. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine. More information.

ACCESSIBILITY

All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. To read more about access services available at our venues, please visit: https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.
In order to account for drop-off in attendance, we overbook a select number of free events at the Faculty. If you have not arrived by the start of the performance, your ticket may be released to any waiting patrons at the door. Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the performance to secure your seat.
Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour.

Banner: Group photo - Gregory Lorenzutti, 2024.
Image 1: Workshop Image - Gregory Lorenzutti, 2023.
Image 2: Concert Image - Gregory Lorenzutti, 2024.