The Helpmann Academy Award for Voice champions the next generation of South Australia’s rising vocal stars — empowering bold talent to take the next leap in their artistic journey.
Graduates* and final-year students from the following programs at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, Adelaide University are invited to apply:
- Bachelor of Music (all majors)
- Bachelor of Music Theatre
Generously supported by Dr Rob Lyons, this prestigious $7,500 award provides a career-defining boost to one outstanding vocalist. Whether you’re seeking advanced training, developing new work, recording, collaborating, or touring — this funding is designed to propel your ambitions forward.
From local stages to national platforms and international opportunities, the Helpmann Academy Award for Voice helps you expand your craft, grow your networks, and gain invaluable professional experience.
If you’re ready to invest in your voice and accelerate your career, this is your moment.
“Having the opportunity to attend a five-day songwriting retreat in New York alongside award-winning songwriter Andrea Stolpe and other international artists will allow me to collaborate and develop as a songwriter to eventually release my own music. I am so grateful for the generous support the Helpmann Academy and Dr Rob Lyons have provided to make this happen. Thank you so much.”
Ruby Zoontjens | Helpmann Academy Award for Voice 2025 recipient | pictured far right above
The award recipient will also be given the opportunity to rehearse and perform with our guest artist, New York based saxophonist, Troy Roberts at the Helpmann Academy’s afternoon Jazz concert on Saturday 16 May at the stunning UKARIA Cultural Centre.
This award has been a game-changer for many recipients including vocalist, composer and multi-instrumentalist Courteney Hooper. As the Helpmann Academy Award for Voice 2024 recipient, she was finally able to record her debut album of original music. You can see Courteney perform at WOMADelaide’s Academy Stage in 2026.
MORE INFORMATION
Interested applicants are encouraged to:
- Check your eligibility
- Read our Information for applicants page
- Get in touch to discuss how we can help with your application by booking a chat with our Program Manager, Toni Wills HERE or contact the Helpmann Academy team via info@helpmannacademy.com.au / 0479 114 073
The Helpmann Academy Award for Voice, generously funded by Dr Rob Lyons, aims to support and inspire our state’s most promising, emerging vocalists.
Image: Ruby Zoontjens performing at A Night of Jazz 2025. Photography by Sam Roberts.