Students from as far away as Nashville, New Zealand, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia head to Tamworth in January for The Academy of Country Music Senior Course.
Ranging in age from 17 to 44, the students are set to learn plenty from each other as well as the award-winning industry professionals who will be leading the course: Artistic Director Lyn Bowtell, General Manager Roger Corbett, and Group Leaders Simon Johnson, Duncan Toombs, Gretta Ziller, Anthony Snape, and the many special guests who will join us throughout the course.
The intensive 12-day experience in Australia’s Country Music Capital from January 6-17 leads up to the Tamworth Country Music Festival and gives aspiring artists a chance to hone their skills and form invaluable connections with industry professionals and peers.
Academy Director Lyn Bowtell described The Academy as a transformative journey for all who attend.
“The Academy is not just a music course; it’s a place where students uncover who they are as artists,” she said.
“Many leave saying it’s the turning point in their careers. They gain more than skills—they gain lifelong friendships and a network of mentors.”
The Academy Senior course offers a truly unique experience in the heart of Australia’s country music scene.
Across 12 days, students engage in hands-on workshops, songwriting sessions, performance coaching, and music business masterclasses, alongside some of the nation’s top country music artists, musicians, songwriters, and mentors.
General Manager Roger Corbett highlighted the impact The Academy has on its students.
“Students come from all corners of Australia and beyond, and for many, it’s the first time they feel truly understood as musicians,” he said.
“It’s about finding their place. Year after year, graduates tell us they’ve found their ‘tribe’ here. The friendships, the guidance, the performance opportunities – it’s a journey like no other.”
Singer-Songwriter-Performer Students
Abigail Wighton, Ashfield NSW
Andrew Wortes, Tumut NSW
Beth Lucas, Clontarf QLD
Carly Robinson, Tamworth NSW – Tamworth Regional Council John Minson Scholarship
Chloe Jade, Wangaratta VIC – Mary Dean Scholarship
Ella Hartwig, Brisbane QLD – The Gemba Group Toyota Scholarship
Gemma Tiller, Halbury SA
Hayden Phillis, Como NSW
Heath Milner, North Mackay QLD
Hazel Luckhurst, Somerville VIC
Jimmy McGrath, Exmouth WA
Kymberlee Corby, Pleystowe QLD
LJ Parks, New Town TAS
Maia Fletcher, Invercargill NZ – Maccas Golden Gig Scholarship
Millie Cottam, Winton NZ – Whitney Family Scholarship
Millie Mills, Maryvale NSW – Sound NSW Scholarship
Mitchell Steele, Georgetown QLD – Keith Urban Scholarship
Olive Mae, Cowaramup WA
Paul Rickett, Sandy Ridges QLD – CMAA 2024 Thornton Young Award Y
Sally Balfour, Parap NT – Royal Darwin Show Scholarship
Sam Fletcher, Congo NSW – JMC Academy Scholarship
Sam Hatmaker, Nashville USA – Nashville Exchange Student Scholarship
Sam Snape, Boggabri NSW
Tahla Ward, Riverton NZ – Whitney Family Scholarship
Instrumental Students
Ashlyn Dinsdale, Loganholme QLD
Dan Neave, Mermaid Beach QLD
Josh Beveridge, Brightwaters NSW
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