Holly Forster is a young alto saxophonist and vocalist making her mark on Perth’s jazz scene. With over a decade of experience on the saxophone, she has studied under esteemed instructors including Jamie Oehlers, Harry Mitchell, Marcus Strickland (USA), and Carl Mackey. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2024.

Since 2018, Holly has been a dedicated member of the Western Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO), progressing through each of the ensembles as an alto saxophonist. This year, she is returning to the Monday Night Orchestra (MNO) as a vocalist. In 2022, she achieved significant recognition as a finalist in both the James Morrison Vocal and Instrumental Scholarships at the Generations in Jazz (GIJ) festival. That same year, she was highlighted as a Featured Young Artist in Dingo Magazine.

“In an amazing achievement, West Australian Holly Forster has qualified for both scholarships, a feat which has not been achieved since 2009 when Sarah McKenzie first competed.” 

– GIJ chairman Peter Roberts.

Holly’s skill and commitment to her craft has taken her across the globe. In 2023, she embarked on a six-month study trip to the United States, where she participated in the New York University Steinhardt Summer Jazz Workshop and a semester of exchange at the Frost School of Music in Miami. She was also accepted into the New York based Women in Jazz Organisation’s mentorship program that same year, where she was mentored by Melbourne saxophonist Angela Davis. Holly also travelled with WAYJO to Japan in 2024 to take part in the exchange with Showa University, where she performed as lead alto in the combined SHOWAYJO big band. Holly has been an active performer on the Perth scene over the last few years including leading her own ensembles at the Perth International Jazz Festival, the Lyric Lane Jazz Festival and the York Festival.