Tue. Oct 8th, 2024

Following another successful CMAA Academy of Country Music Senior Course, it’s time for younger emerging music artists to consider their Academy journey with Junior Course applications open.

As all Academy alumni can attest, The Academy journey is one that is nothing short of life-changing and students have access to the best in the business.

During the Senior Course in January of this year, students had the chance to work with award-winning artists including Academy Director Lyn Bowtell, General Manager Roger Corbett, group leaders Kevin Bennett, Ashleigh Dallas, Melody Moko, Liam Kennedy-Clark, and Mickey Pye, as well as guests Kasey Chambers, Allan Caswell, Matt Scullion, Max Jackson, and Sarah Buckley.

Also joining the students during January, to inspire and educate via Zoom were artists and industry experts including James Johnston, Matt Cornell and Jeremy Minett.
 

Golden Guitar winner and chart-topper James Johnston graduated from the Junior Course before he was even in his teens and hoped to inspire the students of the 2024 Senior Course.

“As a young country artist, The Academy was an opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business and connect with other artists that I’ve spent my whole career growing with and going on the journey with,” said James.

“To be able to come full circle and pass on the knowledge I’ve learnt from being in the business for so many years down to the next generation is a massive honour.”

James said the musical futures of these students were in their own hands and they would build their careers through hard work, sharing their stories, passion and building their audiences.

“Write great songs, stay humble and work hard,” he said, as his major piece of advice.

Students under 18 years of age now have the chance to have similar experiences by applying to the Junior Course that will run in Tamworth from July 14 – 20, 2024 and attend the course with a parent or guardian.

The Junior Course includes musical education, songwriting opportunities, performance workshops, musical masterclasses and business education as well as a parent course to assist those raising talented children to navigate the music industry.

As well as James Johnston, graduates of the Junior Course include award-winners Jessica Mauboy, Melanie Dyer, Max Jackson, Ashleigh Dallas, Aleyce Simmonds, and Liam Kennedy-Clark.

Applications are now open: https://academycountrymusic.com.au/apply/


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