applications for 2022 - 2023
COMA: Sound Alliance connects emerging musicians with mentors working professionally in complementary but contrasting musical fields. Musical cross-pollination and collaborative practice are vital elements of the modern musician's practice. See below for the 2022-2023 mentors.
COMA: Sound Alliance was created to bring together emerging artists and established mentors and provide new, supported opportunities in artistic development.
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OUR AIM: The aim of this program is to foster cross-genre musical relationships, so you must apply for a mentorship with an artist who works in a different primary field or genre to yourself.
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As a mentee, you will receive:
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one-on-one time with your mentor to workshop, develop, and experiment in creating new material. COMA will support your mentor financially during this time so that they are able to take time away from their own practice and give it to you!
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financial support to cover rehearsal venue hire
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a paid performance with your mentor during COMA's regular performance series, showcasing your newly developed material
TO APPLY:
Send us a written bio highlighting recent musical achievements, along with a description (one page max.) of why you want to be part of this program. Please also include a link to some of your recorded material - original content strongly preferred - which best represents your identified musical genre.
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Please include your preferred mentors (see below) clearly marked as 1st and 2nd preference, remembering that you cannot select a mentor working within the genre that most closely matches your own practice or background.
There is no age limit for applicants to this program. An emerging artist is identified as someone in their first five years of professional practice.
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Please email applications to comagigs@gmail.com by 31st August 2022. Mentorships will commence from October 2022, with performance dates scheduled for Autumn 2023 (April to June) during which time applicants must be available.
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If you would like to have a chat about any aspect of this program, or need more information, please email comagigs@gmail.com to arrange a time to talk with one of the COMA committee.
MENTORS: COMA is proud to introduce three exceptional artists who are excited to be involved in Sound Alliance 2022-2023
Hugh Stuckey
improvised music
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Hugh Stuckey has gained a reputation as one of Australia’s leading voices on jazz guitar. He has twice been a finalist at the National Jazz Awards, has completed tours of Europe and has featured on a number of ARIA award winning albums.
In 2016 Hugh relocated to New York City to pursue further studies at the Manhattan School of Music. He studied with legendary saxophonist David Liebman, Brazilian percussionist Rogerio Boccato, arranger Jim McNeely and composition guru Guillermo Klein among many others. This experience culminated in his album Lilium, released in 2020.
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Hugh has returned to Australia to reflect on the experience and take his next steps.
Belinda Gehlert
classical, contemporary
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Belinda is a violinist, performer and composer who writes for chamber ensembles, orchestras, theatre, dance, live art, and screen. Her professional creative practice as a musician spans two decades.
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Belinda was a member of the Australian Art Music and Ruby Award winning, Adelaide-based Zephyr Quartet for 15 years and with them has performed throughout Australia, The Phillipines, England, Ireland, Germany, Scotland and The Netherlands.
Belinda enjoys a vibrant performing career as a freelance violinist
in chamber groups, musicals, cabaret shows and bands. She is
a regular contract musician in the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and is currently fostering an interest in electronic music production.
Lazaro Numa
latin, cuban, jazz
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Lazaro is an accomplished Cuban trumpeter and composer with over 15 years international experience performing latin, jazz, classical and pop. He studied trumpet at the Amadeo Roldan Conservatorium of Music in Havana and left Cuba in 2008 to expand his international career.
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In 2016, he performed with Diego El Cigala at WOMADelaide and also toured with Chinese pop star David Tao accross China.
Later that year he recorded his debut album Mi Cuba featuring his original compositions and traditional cuban rhythms.
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Lazaro is now based in Adelaide and regularly tours Australia and Asia performing his original music.