Applications are invited for an exciting collaboration between the University of Kent, School of Arts and National Youth Jazz Collective.

The project addresses the changing profile of UK women jazz musicians in the 21st century, barriers to progression (educational and professional) and the relationship between artistic voice, gender and professional identity.

This is a unique opportunity to work closely with a prestigious national music education portfolio organization (NPO) and its network of partner arts organisations. Applicants will have an interest in women performer-composers, contemporary jazz, inclusive practices and socio-cultural issues. Relevant professional experience is also welcome.

The successful applicant will have autonomy to shape the project based on their interests. They will receive research training, benefit from academic knowledge exchange and gain public engagement experience. They will also benefit from first-hand experience of arts management, invaluable for those aiming to develop a career in the creative arts sector.

Project supervisors will be Dr Ruth Herbert (Dept of Music & Audio Technology), Professor Nicola Shaughnessy (Arts) and Issie Barratt, (Artistic Director of the National Youth Jazz Collective), identified by BBC Radio 4’s Women in Power List in 2018 as one of the 40 most influential women in the music industry.

Applications for this studentship must be made via the University of Kent’s application form for a PhD in Music. Informal enquiries to Dr Ruth Herbert (Music and Audio Technology) r.herbert@kent.ac.uk