Now in its third year, Take Note seeks to address the underrepresentation of women and girls in music by celebrating and promoting female leaders on stage and in high schools across Victoria. The program supports the professional development of an emerging female musician through a career development prize package, including a bursary for the development and presentation of a new work at the International Festival. The Jazz Leader is paired with leading female industry mentors to enhance their professional skills and networks, alongside their artistic practice. In the lead up to the Festival, the Jazz Leader undertakes a statewide tour of metropolitan and regional secondary schools, facilitating intensive workshops with aspiring music students and modelling female leadership in music. Take Note was conceived in response to research indicating that women are ‘chronically disadvantaged’ in the music industry. Women represent only one-fifth of songwriters and composers, earn 25% less than their male counterparts on average, and hold only 28% of senior roles in industry organisations (University of Sydney, Skipping a Beat, 2017). A discussion paper issued by Music Victoria revealed that limited access to opportunities and lack of role models also create barriers for women in music. The paper indicated a strong desire for mentoring, fellowships and industry champions for diversity (Music Victoria, Women in the Victorian Contemporary Music Industry Discussion Paper, 2015).