The Jacob Neale Jazz Awards
The Jacob Neale Jazz Awards have been created by the Newcastle music community in honour of Jacob Neale’s outstanding contribution to jazz and improvised music and are proudly presented by Newcastle Conservatorium of Music in collaboration with the Newcastle Improvised Music Association (NIMA), Adamstown Arts and the Newcastle and Hunter Jazz Club.
About Jacob Neale
Jacob came first in NSW in HSC Music 2 and Music Extension and was selected to perform at Encore. Jacob won the jazz competition at Adamstown Arts (The Dungeon) and performed regularly as part of the jazz festival in Newcastle. He completed a Bachelor of Music at the University of Newcastle and a Masters of Education, and taught at Belmont Christian College and Hunter School of the Performing Arts.
Jacob was very active as a volunteer and performer for Newcastle Improvised Music Association (NIMA). He was the Music Director for the prestigious Sydney-based Talent Development Program after graduating from the same program. Other musical direction work included several years leading the NSW Premier’s Gala Concert which saw him support a myriad of A-list Australian musicians such as Shannon Noll, Vanessa Amorosi, Christine Anu, Paulini Curuenavuli, Marina Pryor, Casey Donovan, Emma Pask, John Paul Young and many others. Jacob’s incredible piano playing, compositions, arrangements and productions have inspired many emerging artists and colleagues in Newcastle and beyond.
A quiet force behind many popular ensembles and events, Jacob was greatly loved and respected by all who knew him. His legacy has inspired these awards. The major sponsors and supporters of these awards are friends and colleagues who had a long association with Jacob.
Enter the Awards
The Jacob Neale Jazz Awards are presented by Newcastle Conservatorium of Music in collaboration with the Newcastle Improvised Music Association (NIMA), Adamstown Arts and the Newcastle and Hunter Jazz Club. The 2025 awards will feature the piano. Jacob’s musical family have created these awards to provide an opportunity for the next generation of jazz artists to thrive in a music career, and to honour Jacob’s ability to inspire with his teaching, mentoring, original compositions and incredible ability to entertain.
Download the detailed eligibility criteria Complete the entry form
Donate
Jacob sadly passed away in December 2023 after a long battle with brain cancer. The loss of Jacob, and many others who have suffered this grave illness, continues to have a profound impact on the lives of family, friends and colleagues. By donating to the Mark Hughes Foundation, you can help carry forward Jacob’s extraordinary contribution to music, family, friendship and hope while also funding vital brain cancer research. Your support ensures that his legacy lives on, providing hope and opportunity for future artists.
Proudly sponsored by
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.