The Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) Academy of Country Music has announced the 28 emerging artists selected for its 2026 Junior Course.
The program will run from 4-11 July in Tamworth, ahead of the Hats Off to Country festival. The 2026 intake includes 24 singer-songwriter-performers and four instrumentalists from communities across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania.
CMAA Academy General Manager Roger Corbett said the standard of applications for the 2026 Academy was impressive.
“There’s so much young talent coming through Australian country music at the moment and the Academy gives these artists a real chance to learn, grow and connect with people in the industry,” he said.
Academy Director Lyn Bowtell said it was encouraging to see so many young artists seeking opportunities to develop their skills and pursue careers in country music.
“The thing I love most about The Academy is watching students grow in confidence over the week, both onstage and off,” Lyn said.
The 2026 Academy tutor team will include instrumental tutor Brendan Radford, alongside singer-songwriter group leaders Brendon Walmsley, Aleyce Simmonds and Sarah Buckley.
2026 CMAA Academy of Country Music Junior Course Students
Singer-Songwriter-Performer Students
- Ada K, Hunter Valley, NSW — Music Australia funding
- Arabella Starling, Salamander Bay, NSW
- Bella Stein, Glossodia, NSW — Music Australia funding
- Casey Brown, Wellington Point, QLD — Music Australia funding
- Harlin Blackman, Tallebudgera, QLD — Mary Dean Scholarship
- Hunter Harding, Bowral, NSW — Music Australia funding
- Jaxson Renshaw, Glen Oak, NSW — The Grimes Family Scholarship
- Jemilla Cunningham, Mudgeeraba, QLD — Music Australia funding
- Jyia Blackman, Tallebudgera, QLD — Mary Dean Scholarship
- Lachlan Cwojdzinski, Londonderry, NSW — Spewy Scholarship
- Loui Moran, Westbury, TAS — Em Smith Scholarship
- Maverick, Umina Beach, NSW — Music Australia funding
- Maya O’Loughlin, Kinglake West, VIC — JMC Academy Scholarship
- Miah Evelyn, Tamworth, NSW — Music Australia funding
- Nate Boylan, Kelso, NSW — Music Australia funding
- Peyton Childs, Inverell, NSW — Music Australia funding
- Pippa J, Yallourn North, VIC — Music Australia funding
- Reese Lawrence, Clarencetown, NSW — Music Australia funding
- Robbi Morgan, Hornsby, NSW — Maccas Golden Gig (TRC) Scholarship
- Tia Hannah, Kangy Angy, NSW — The Ekka Troy Cassar-Daley Scholarship
- Toby Brooks, Nathalia, VIC — CMAA Scholarship
- Tyler Lock, Robina, QLD — Music Australia funding
- Will Hogan, Koorlong, VIC — Robyn Johnson Memorial Scholarship
- Zach Ruston-Walkom, Eglington, NSW — Music Australia funding
Instrumental Students
- Bassdog, Perthville, NSW — Ros Whitney Scholarship
- Ellie Hannah, Kangy Angy, NSW — The Simmonds Family Scholarship
- Jeb McCartin, Black Mountain, QLD — Maton Guitars Scholarship
- Miller Moko, Springbrook, QLD — The Oliver Perry Scholarship
Students will graduate on Saturday, 11 July, with a concert celebration at Liberty College in Tamworth commencing at 11am.
The CMAA Academy of Country Music has helped launch the careers of many of Australia’s leading country music artists and industry professionals and continues to play a significant role in developing the next generation of talent.
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