SCHOOLS PROGRAM
SCHOOLS PROGRAM
Michelle
Nicolle
𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲: 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗮𝘇𝘇 𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁
Michelle Nicolle is recognized as one of the foremost female jazz singers in Australia, celebrated for her captivating voice and profound emotional resonance with each performance. Her impressive accolades include the esteemed Bell Award (2017), multiple Mo Awards (2001, 2003, 2004), and the National Jazz Award (1998). Additionally, she has been honoured as an A.R.I.A Finalist on three separate occasions (2001, 2004, 2009), reflecting her exceptional contributions to the jazz scene.
Her musical journey began at just eight years old in the beautiful Barossa Valley, where she initially studied the violin. Over the years, Michelle has evolved into a distinguished jazz artist, with her voice as her primary instrument. Now residing in Melbourne, she is reaching a broader international audience, enchanting listeners in both the USA and Europe.
Michelle is renowned for her ability to penetrate the heart of a song with authentic emotion, as well as her talent for spontaneous improvisation. Through her quartet, she has consistently refined her artistry, resulting in the release of nine CDs. The MNQuartet has toured widely, performing at prestigious festivals such as the Tokyo Jazz Festival, Jakjazz in Indonesia, the Jarasum Jazz Festival in Korea, and the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, among many others.
Alongside her extensive touring activities, Michelle has sustained a vibrant 16-year residency at The Brunswick Green, where she delights audiences with a unique format that invites song requests alongside various musical friends. Her other artistic endeavours include the What Reason Trio, featuring guitarist Stephen Magnusson, and MN Frettet, a group of four guitarists, in addition to her freelance vocal engagements for various recording projects.
As a dedicated educator, Michelle passionately advocates for the recognition of vocalists as vital contributors to jazz ensembles. Drawing from over 30 years of performance experience, she emphasizes that the key to improvisational proficiency lies in developing strong musical independence. Through her teachings, she guides students in mastering the elements of form, rhythm, melody, pitch, and harmony, all while honouring the story conveyed by the song. By encouraging independence, she empowers vocalists to express themselves with the same liberty and confidence as their instrumental counterparts.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Education and an Associate Diploma of Jazz from the University of Adelaide. Currently, she shares her expertise at the University of Melbourne, the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, and Monash University. Since 1998, she has conducted masterclasses and workshops throughout Australia and internationally, including events in Singapore, Taiwan, and at prestigious institutions such as Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music in London and the JEN Conference in New Orleans.