Niels Rosendahl Music Award now open for applications

Apply here

Each year the School of Music (‘the School’) within the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences (‘the College’) may offer one award known as the Niels Rosendahl Music Award. 

The objective/s of the prize are to provide support for a recent ANU School of Music graduate who specialises in jazz and contemporary creative practice to support their continued professional development and career opportunities as a performer and/or composer and arranger. 

The value of the prize awarded is up to $25,000. 

The prize will be on offer initially for three years from 2026 to 2029. 

The award is named after Niels Rosendahl, a renowned and gifted jazz musician who tragically passed away in 2023 at the age of 39. Niels was an outstanding alumnus of the jazz department at the ANU School of Music, where graduated in 2005 with First Class Honours and a University Medal. He remained a much-loved member of the ANU music community, while performing, touring, and recording nationally and internationally

ELIGIBILITY 

The award is available each year to an ANU student who: 

(a) was a domestic ANU student; and 

(b) has completed the requirements for the award of a Bachelor of Music or Higher Degree Research program in the School of Music within the last three calendar years as at the closing date for applications for the prize; and

(c) Engages in the field of jazz and contemporary creative practice as a performer and/or composer/arranger. 

SELECTION AND CONSTRAINTS 

Selection is by application, and all supporting documentation (where applicable) is submitted on the prescribed form and must be submitted on, or prior to, the closing date published on the ANU Prizes website. Only applicants who meet all the eligibility criteria will be considered. 

Selection is made on the basis of the quality of the application and academic merit. Applicants should demonstrate how the awarded funding is to support their continued professional development and career opportunities as a performer and/or composer/arranger. Preference may be given to those engaging in the field of jazz and contemporary creative practice. 

The Award is offered to a student by a Selection Committee chaired by the Head of the School (or their representative), which will also include two other members of academic staff from the School of Music, and one staff member external to the School of Music. 

The School reserves the right to make no award if it considers there is no applicant of sufficient merit. The awarding committee may also divide the prize between applicants if it deems so appropriate. 

Where required, the ANU Medals Committee will be available for qualitative or subjective assessment determinants if a decision is not reached within the College to determine prize winners. 

RECIPIENT OBLIGATIONS 

The awarding of a prize is based on the information provided to the University. A prize may be declined by the recipient once they have been notified as the prize winner. This must be provided in writing to The College no later than four weeks from notification. Should the first ranked applicant decline the prize, the next ranked applicant will be offered the prize. 

If the prize is accepted by the recipient, they agree to the Publication of their name. A recipient of this Award will be asked to provide a report to the Donor and the School at the completion of the activities for which the funds have been award. 

In some instances, the recipient may be asked to: 

a) write a letter of thanks to the donor; and 

b) participate in marketing activities and/or asked to provide a reflective statement. 

REVIEW OF PRIZE 

The award will be reviewed: 

(a) at the conclusion of the period outlined in Section 1 or clause 6 of the ANU Prizes Procedure; or 

(b) if any eligibility requirements are to be amended after 3 years, whichever is earliest. 

VARIATION TO CONDITIONS OF AWARD 

In exceptional circumstances and on a case-by-case basis, these conditions of award may be varied by the Dean on the recommendation of the Chair of Selection Committee. 

CONTACT WITH THE COLLEGE 

All enquiries regarding the prize and changes, issues, or further information after acceptance should be made to:

School of Music 

College of Art and Social Sciences

Disclaimer and related rules: please refer to the attached document.