Head of Contemporary

Conductor, Jazz Vocal Project
Contemporary projects
NECOM Lets Loose

Sharny Russell is a seasoned and respected Australian jazz singer, pianist, composer, producer and educator.

After completing her studies at Queensland Conservatorium of Music in 1975, studying classical piano with the renowned Nancy Weir, Sharny moved to Adelaide where she sang on ABC radio children’s programs, and directed two Yamaha Foundation music schools, teaching and training new teachers.

She has performed in major jazz venues and festivals across the country, alongside many top level artists, and released albums with ABC Classics and independently, winning the 2004 APRA Award for Jazz.

She has also composed for voice, piano, and small ensembles including chamber orchestras.

Sharny has compositions in the Australian Jazz Real Book, as well as the Australian Hymn Book, and boasts being the pianist on the iconic television children’s show “Here’s Humphrey”.

Sharny taught in the Queensland Conservatorium Jazz Department, Griffith University for 12 years, and at Jazz Music Institute for 10 years.

Many of her past students are now award-winning artists and teachers.

Sharny has published training resources in contemporary piano and singing, and spoke at the International Jazz Vocal Conference in Helsinki in 2019.

“ … the relaxed, attractive and secure vocal talents of Sharny Russell ...extreme class. You know you're in good hands.” Shane Nichols, Financial Review.

“… Sharny is unique in Australian jazz... she could be one of the world’s most important scat singers.” Eric Myers, veteran jazz critic for The Australian.

“…. standards alongside superbly written originals, all voiced by a superior singer.” Barry O’Sullivan, Jazz Australia