This position is no longer open for applications

Jazz Composer in Residence

Jazz Composer in Residence (2728) Kelburn, Wellington Central, New Zealand

  • Looking for an opportunity to develop innovative and substantial work?
  • Are you an established jazz composer with a track record of substantial and concerted creative activity?
  • Will you contribute to the NZSM’s cultural and academic life?

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is a global-civic university with our marae at our heart. This iho draws off our heritage and is further defined by our tūrangawaewae, in particular Wellington, Aotearoa, and the Asia-Pacific, all of which are expressed in our position as Aotearoa New Zealand's globally ranked capital city university.


Our core ethical values are respect, responsibility, fairness, integrity, and empathy. These core ethical values are demonstrated in our commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, inclusivity, equity, diversity, collegiality, and openness. With, and as, tangata whenua, we value Te Tiriti o Waitangi, rangatiratanga, manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, whai mātauranga, whanaungatanga, and akoranga.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

The Creative New Zealand/NZSM Jazz Composer-in-Residence 2022 is a 6-month position for established jazz composers to work towards a new album of original compositions. The position is fully funded by Creative New Zealand, with the NZSM as host organisation, and comes with an additional $15,000 research grant to be spent on recording and production expenses.

This position fosters and expands jazz composition in Aotearoa by providing leading composers with the opportunity to develop innovative and substantial work. It is expected that the appointee will be based in Wellington for the duration of the residency.

The selection committee will comprise at least 3 members of the composition staff of the NZSM, plus one external expert. The committee will base their decision on the artistic standards and track record of the applicant, as evidenced through a CV and portfolio of representative works, as well as the potential of the proposed album to make a significant contribution to New Zealand jazz. 

Ō pūmanawa - About you

Applicants must be established jazz composers of proven merit, with a track record of substantial and concerted creative activity spanning a period of years. Alongside a strong portfolio of creative work, indicators of merit will include peer esteem, such as awards/prizes, inclusion in festivals, international performances, reviews, album releases, commissions from leading performers/organisations, and keynotes/conference presentations. These indicators should be provided in an accompanying CV.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

The New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī (NZSM), Victoria University of Wellington, has the breadth and depth of music study available nowhere else in New Zealand. NZSM is situated in Wellington, the arts capital of New Zealand, and we offer the highest standards of excellence in professional music fields (including classical performance, composition, jazz, music therapy, musicology, and ethnomusicology), and bring an international standard of music education to New Zealanders.

From 31 January 2022, a COVID-19 vaccine mandate will apply to all University staff, students, contractors and visitors. For more information see: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/covid-19/vaccine-mandate.

Please also see accompanying documents:

1) instructions for applicants for Jazz Composer in Residence 2022

2) Role Description — Jazz Composer in Residence 2022

Closing Date for Vacancy: 1 March 2022                              

Contact Details for Vacancy:  If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Michael Norris, Programme Director (Composition), NZSM at michael.norris@vuw.ac.nz.

IMPORTANT: Applicants should follow all steps listed below.

  1. Download and complete the University Application Form.
  2. Click the ‘Apply Now' button at the base of the advert, follow the process to enter your contact details and add your application document in the online form (see ‘Instructions for Applicants’ for information about the application materials required)
  3. For applicants who are not NZ Citizens or Permanent Residents, we recommend you check the NZ Immigration website for updates related to Covid19 restrictions on entry to New Zealand: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19
  4. Please include a cover letter in your application, telling us why you’re a great fit for this position then email. Email completed the completed application form, cover letter and any other supporting documentation to erecruit@vuw.ac.nz along with any further supporting documents stating the reference number and position title from the advert in the subject line.
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