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.