Musicians from Tamworth, Walcha, Moree, and Saumarez Ponds will learn alongside some of the best in the business, after being picked for The 2027 CMAA Academy of Country Music Senior Course.
They are among 27 students selected for the course, which runs in Tamworth from Monday, 4 January to Friday, 15 January 2027.
The cohort includes 24 singer-songwriter-performers and three instrumental students, aged from 18 to 56.
Local students in the 2027 intake are:
- Ethan Latsinos, Oxley Vale, singer-songwriter-performer, John Minson (Tamworth Regional Council) Scholarship
- Lachlan Greig, Walcha, singer-songwriter-performer
- Rach Louise, Moree, singer-songwriter-performer, Sound NSW Scholarship
- Callum McClymont, Saumarez Ponds, instrumental student, Maton Scholarship
Other students will travel from across NSW, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, and one is coming from as far away as Nashville, Tennessee.
The Academy General Manager Roger Corbett said the Senior Course continued to provide an important pathway for artists looking to take the next step in their country music careers.
“The Academy has a long history of helping artists develop their skills, build confidence and gain a better understanding of the country music industry,” he said.
“Each year we welcome a talented group of students from different backgrounds and at different stages of their careers.”
“The 2027 intake is another exciting group, and we’re looking forward to seeing what they achieve during their time at The Academy.”
Previous graduates Amberley Maryellen, Coral Renee, and Josselin Walsh are returning to The Academy on scholarships, to further develop their craft, strengthen their industry connections, and build on their earlier experience at The Academy.
Students will be taught by award-winning artists and experienced music industry figures. Group leaders are Duncan Toombs, Gretta Ziller, Anthony Snape, and Michael Moko.
Guest songwriters, musicians, and industry professionals will also work with students on performance, musicianship, media, business, social media, and songwriting.
Artistic Director Lyn Bowtell said working alongside other musicians, songwriters, and industry professionals was an important part of The Academy experience.
“The Academy is about more than developing musical ability,” she said.
“It’s about encouraging artists to find their own voice, understand their strengths and discover where they want to take their music.”
“Having returning graduates alongside students experiencing The Academy for the first time creates a wonderful environment for learning, collaboration and sharing knowledge.”
“I’m looking forward to working with these students.”
Student Co-ordinator Sam Phillips said the selection reflected the diversity of talent and experience coming through the country music community.
“Every student brings something different to The Academy, whether it’s their songwriting, performance experience, musical ability or their aspirations for the future,” she said.
“We’re excited to welcome both new students and returning graduates in January and look forward to helping them make the most of their time with us.”
The course wraps up just as the Tamworth Country Music Festival begins.
Students will graduate on Thursday, 14 January, with a concert at 7.30pm at the Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, the night before the festival starts.
They will also perform at the festival’s Official Opening at Toyota Park in front of thousands of music fans, and will have more chances to perform throughout the festival.
Tickets for the 2027 Senior Graduation Concert are available at https://tinyurl.com/SnrAcad2026.
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