Keynote speakers: TBC

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The AJIRN committee is dedicated to hearing the voices from the multifaceted tapestry of jazz and improvisation scholarship and performance. As a consequence, the theme for AJIRN 8 conference in 2025  adopts an evaluative and forward-thinking lens, focusing on the current state and future directions of jazz and improvisation research. This theme highlights thriving research areas while also identifying those that merit greater attention and development. We encourage a wide range of contributions, spanning pedagogy, history, analysis, diaspora studies, practice-led research, community engagement, cognitive studies, and beyond. Key discussions will revolve around decolonisation, gender studies, and the value of improvisation as both a creative practice and a research methodology. We encourage research into emerging technologies, including AI, and their impact on jazz and improvisational practice and analysis. The AJIRN 8 conference invites all participants to reflect on our present collective achievements, envision creative futures, and deepen our understanding of jazz and improvisation as an evolving art form.

 

Format

The AJIRN committee’s commitment to inclusivity underpins our decision to deliver the AJIRN conference in a hybrid format. This will include ‘on-site’ activities at the University of Auckland as well as the option for remote participation. The hybrid format will include both traditional paper presentations, creative contributions and performances. More detailed information will be available soon at www.ajirn.com. 

 

Submission Process

We are accepting research proposals for the following formats:

• 20-minute research presentations (10-minute Q&A)

• 20-minute performances (10-minute Q&A)

• Curated special sessions

• Panel discussions (format can be flexible, in consultation with the Program Committee)

• Other hybrid activities, including site-specific performances and happenings

 

Please submit (1) a proposal title, (2) a 250-word paper abstract or performance proposal, and (3) a 100-word bio, compiled as a single Word doc to robert.burke@monash.edu, using the subject line ‘AJIRN 2025 Proposal - surname’. In the body of your email, please indicate whether you expect to attend in person or virtually.  

 

Proposals must be received by February 8th, 2025.

 

Notification of acceptance will be sent by March 1st, 2025.

 

Conference Organising Committee:

Keith Price (University of Auckland - Chair of Conference)

Robert Burke (Monash University)

Aleisha Ward (University of Auckland)

Christopher Coady (Sydney Conservatorium)

Miranda Park (Monash University)

Roger Dean (Western Sydney University)

Louise Denson (Independent Artist)

Dave Wilson (Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand)

Chris Stover (Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University)

Helen Russell (University Southern Queensland)

Andrew Faleatua (Composer-In-Residence, New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī) 

Tim O’Dwyer (LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts, Singapore)

Andrew Robson (Macquarie University)

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