New Standards In Europe

Autor: Patrick Meerwald

  • Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme 2026 „New Standards – 101 Lead Sheets by Women Composers“

    Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme 2026 „New Standards – 101 Lead Sheets by Women Composers“

    From March 9–14, 2026, JAM MUSIC LAB Private University for Jazz and Popular Music Vienna hosts the international Erasmus+ Intensive Programme “New Standards – 101 Lead Sheets by Women Composers.” The project was initiated and artistically led by Monika Herzig, Vice-Rector of Diversity and Internationalization at JAM. Students from four partner institutions collaborate on jazz compositions by women, create their own interpretations, and showcase their work in a public concert on March 13. Masterclasses, workshops, film screenings, and jam sessions combine artistic practice with reflection and international exchange.

    From March 9 to 14, 2026, the JAM MUSIC LAB Private University for Jazz and Popular Music Vienna hosts the international Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “New Standards – 101 Lead Sheets by Women Composers.”

    A central component of the programme is its pedagogical dimension: participating students, as well as faculty members, actively contribute to Jazz Girls Day. All information about Jazz Girls Day can be found here: Information and registration for Jazz Girls Day.

    This intensive week brings together students from four partner institutions: Saint Louis College of Music (Italy), Hochschule für Musik Saar (Germany), and Anderson University South Carolina School of the Arts (USA), alongside participants from Vienna.

    The programme focuses on repertoire from Berklee’s “New Standards – 101 Lead Sheets by Women Composers,” a landmark collection that expands and diversifies the contemporary jazz canon. Working in international combos, students rehearse, arrange, and interpret selected compositions, culminating in a public final concert.

    The BIP combines artistic practice with critical reflection. In addition to daily rehearsals, the programme includes:

    • Masterclasses in improvisation and rhythm section performance
    • Ensemble coaching by renowned jazz mentors
    • Workshops and film screenings
    • Discussions on the historical, cultural, and social factors behind the underrepresentation of women in instrumental jazz
    • Networking events and jam sessions

    The highlight of the week will be the final concert on March 13, 2026, which will be live-streamed and recorded for the public. LINK Livestream

    Funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, this initiative underlines JAM MUSIC LAB’s commitment to international collaboration, artistic excellence, and greater inclusion in jazz education and performance.

  • Jazz Girls Day

    Jazz Girls Day

    The Jazz Girls Day is an initiative designed to encourage teenage girls to explore jazz, improvisation, and collaborative music-making. The event took place at the university’s campus in Gasometer Vienna and brought together young musicians for a day dedicated to creativity, experimentation, and empowerment.

    A Day for Young Female Musicians

    Jazz Girls Day is aimed at teenage girls between the ages of 12 and 18 who are interested in music. The central idea of the event is to give young women the opportunity to experience jazz in a supportive and inspiring environment. Participants spend the day jamming, improvising, and forming spontaneous bands, discovering how collaborative music can spark creativity and confidence.

    One of the most exciting aspects of the workshop is that the girls are placed into newly formed bands (combos), encouraging them to meet new people and experiment musically together. Throughout the day, they receive guidance and mentorship from internationally successful female jazz musicians who share their expertise and passion for improvisation.

    Learning Through Improvisation

    The main focus of Jazz Girls Day is not technical perfection but the joy of making music together. Participants are encouraged to experiment, improvise, and explore new musical ideas. Previous jazz experience is not required.

    Girls who already play an instrument or sing—whether in classical, pop, or other styles—have all the prerequisites needed to participate. This open approach allows beginners and more experienced musicians alike to join and discover the world of jazz.

    By emphasizing improvisation and creativity, the workshop introduces participants to one of jazz’s defining characteristics: spontaneous musical dialogue.

    From Workshop to Stage

    The day runs from 1he morning until the afternoon giving participants several hours to rehearse and develop their musical ideas within their newly formed bands.

    The event culminates in a series of short live performances, where the bands present what they have created during the workshop. Friends, families, and anyone interested are invited to attend the concert and experience the results of the day’s creative collaboration.

    For many participants, this performance offers their first experience performing on a professional jazz stage, making the day both exciting and memorable.

    A Growing Tradition

    The 2026 edition marked the fourth time that the JAM MUSIC LAB Privatuniversität für Jazz und Popularmusik organized Jazz Girls Day. With each year, the event continues to grow as an important platform for encouraging young female musicians and highlighting the role of women in jazz.

    The choice of date is also symbolic: March 8 is celebrated worldwide as International Women’s Day. Hosting Jazz Girls Day on this date underscores the university’s commitment to supporting female talent and increasing gender diversity in the jazz scene.

    Encouraging the Future of Jazz

    Jazz Girls Day demonstrates how educational initiatives can help shape the future of music. By providing mentorship, performance opportunities, and a welcoming environment, the event inspires young musicians to explore jazz without fear of making mistakes.

    For many participants, the experience is more than just a workshop—it is a first step into a wider musical community and a chance to discover the freedom and excitement that jazz offers.

    As the event continues to grow in the coming years, Jazz Girls Day promises to remain an important moment in Vienna’s musical calendar, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and the next generation of female jazz artists.