From New Zealand to Nashville, 29 emerging artists will converge on Tamworth this January for the 2026 Senior Course of The Country Music Association of Australia Academy of Country Music.
Running from January 5 to 16, the intensive course is regarded as one of the most respected artist development programs in Australian country music. This year’s students include 24 singer-songwriter performers and five instrumental students who will make up The Academy band.
The 2026 Senior Course attracted more than 50 applications this year, highlighting the interest in this one-of-a-kind course.
Students are travelling from five out of six Australian states and both territories, plus three from New Zealand and one from the United States.
Academy Director Lyn Bowtell said the continued international interest showed how far the program’s influence now reached.
“It’s inspiring to see artists from so many places wanting to be part of this experience,” Lyn said.
“The Academy gives them the confidence, knowledge and professional grounding they need to take their careers to the next level — and the friendships formed here last a lifetime.”
Academy General Manager Roger Corbett said the course blended mentorship and real- world experience.
“Our goal is to give these artists the skills to build sustainable careers,” Roger said.
“They leave Tamworth with new songs, new collaborations, and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed in this industry.”
The 2026 program will be guided by Group Leaders Simon Johnson, Gretta Ziller, Anthony Snape, and Melody Moko, with support from an accomplished team of guest tutors and industry mentors.
Celebrating nearly 30 years, The Academy, originally founded in 1997 as The College ofCountry Music, has helped shape the paths of hundreds of artists who have gone on to become Golden Guitar winners, chart-topping performers, and industry leaders.
2026 Academy Students
Singer-Songwriter-Performance Students
Alice Cotton – Wagaman, NT – Royal Darwin Show Winner 2025
Ava Bizzanelli – Kenthurst, NSW – TRC Macca’s Golden Gig Winner 2025
Charli Jade – Mackay, QLD – Sound NSW Scholarship
Ellerie Rose – Kurrajong, NSW – Sound NSW Scholarship
Ellis Undercover – Wellington, NSW – Toyota Australia Scholarship
Eric Collier – Venus Bay, VIC – Sound NSW Scholarship
Gary James – Quedjinup, WA – Sound NSW Scholarship
Gracie Jean – Ashfield, NSW – Mary Dean Scholarship
Grenon – Nashville, USA – Nashville Exchange Student
Imogen Hall – Muswellbrook, NSW
Jess White – Winton, QLD – Sound NSW Scholarship
Jessica Lorraine – Nathalia, VIC
Josh Keating – Christchurch, Canterbury NZ – Sound NSW Scholarship
Lily-Grace Grant – Lennox Head, NSW – Sound NSW Scholarship
Lucy Watson – Raworth, NSW – Sound NSW Scholarship
Maddison Connor – Nelson, Richmond, NZ – Whitney Family Scholarship
Nicola Mitchell – Paraparaumu, Wellington, NZ – Keith Urban Scholarship
Nicole Matthews – Mildura, VIC – Sound NSW Scholarship
Riley Ziskey – Albion, QLD – JMC Academy Scholarship
Rochelle Roberts – Gamilaroi-born (Tamworth), Ngunnawal-based (Belconnen, ACT) –
UNE Indigenous Scholarship
Tamsin – Glenwood, NSW
Tiana Sleiman – Collaroy, NSW
Travis Mitchell Evans – North Tamworth, NSW – TRC John Minson Scholarship
Zac Weeks – Smithton, TAS – Sound NSW Scholarship
Instrumental Students – all with assistance from Maton funding
Cooper Rieger – Ebenezer, NSW
Gabi Forman – Berridale, NSW
James Champy – Mill Park, VIC
Noah Dunlop – Palm Beach, QLD
William Louis – Wentworth Falls, NSW
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