2026 Junior Academy Graduation Concert

Saturday 11 July 2026, 11am at Liberty College

2026 Junior Academy 4-11 July

Applications closed 14 April 2026

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

2025 CMAA Academy Sister Cities Nashville Exchange

Applications close Tuesday 21 April 2026

APPLY NOW

The Campfire

Monday 24 to Thursday 27 August 2026, at The Gympie Music Muster

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Groups of performers singing around 3 microphones

The Academy is Australia’s premier music program for emerging, talented singers/songwriters/performers and instrumentalists.

We offer two intensive residential courses each year for junior and senior participants and additional online programs.

Our award winning team of music professionals, mentors and industry leaders
will bridge the gap between your existing experience and your professional career.

Join The Academy alumni of successful music artists.

theacademycmaa

Find Your Tribe
See Yourself
Share Your Story
Press Play
@ The Academy
Junior, Senior and online courses available

When we say we’re like one big family here at Th

When we say we’re like one big family here at The Academy, we mean it...but not in a cult-y way! 😆 Once you’ve been through a course, whether it’s the Singer/Songwriter/Performer, Instrumental or Parent course, you become one of us, which means you have a whole new support system to lean on as you navigate the music industry. And we’re pretty proud of that ❤️

Our next family uptake is open for Juniors/Parents now, but you’ve only got until Tuesday to apply. Don’t miss out!

➡️ link in bio

📷 @roamingcreatives

#theacademy #junioracademy #schoolholidayprogram #musicprogram #itsnotacult 🤭

JUNIOR APPLICATIONS EXTENDED❗️ In case you mi

JUNIOR APPLICATIONS EXTENDED❗️

In case you missed it, applications for the Junior Academy have been extended until Tuesday 14 April.

Be part of all this and more, immersing yourself in a full week of singing, songwriting, performance and musicianship with people who get you! It’s not too late to be part of the fun 🎶

Scholarships and payment plans available, but you must apply to be considered.

Don’t delay, hit the link in our bio 📲

📽️ @roamingcreatives

#theacademy #junioracademy #findyourtribe #schoolholidayprogram

🔥THE CAMPFIRE - MENTORS 🔥 Introducing our m

🔥THE CAMPFIRE - MENTORS 🔥

Introducing our mentors for The Campfire, our exclusive songwriting program for Academy alumni, run in collaboration with the @gympiemusicmuster

CLARE QUINN

Hailing from south-east Queensland, @clarequinnmusic is a singer known for her distinctively effortless vocals.

Clare plays guitar, piano, banjo, ukulele, harmonica, bass, percussion and drums and is inspired by legendary women in music from across the spectrum of genres. Her voice can be likened to Eva Cassidy, Judith Durham, Karen Carpenter & Joni Mitchell.

Alongside her husband, @lawrence_menard, Clare performs in the Americana duo, @thosefolk. They have performed at the @woodfordfolkfestival @blue_mountains_music_festival @gympiemusicmuster and recently presented a 17-date headline tour of the UK.

With a stage presence that exudes warmth, Clare makes audience members feel like fast friends. Through her music, she is passionate about sharing a sense of community, love and hope.

Clare is an accomplished songwriter, with 15 years of experience of writing music. Since 2021, Clare has worked at @thesongmuster, a collaborative songwriting experience at the @aicmgympie. In this space she has worked alongside established and emerging folk and country singers. Clare loves being a songwriting mentor and finds great inspiration in the collaborative and community orientated songwriting approach.

Apply now to attend The Campfire from 24 - 27 August 2026!

Applications close at midnight TONIGHT, link in bio.

#theacademy #thecampfire #gympiemuster #clarequinn #thosefolk

🔥 THE CAMPFIRE - MENTORS 🔥 Introducing our

🔥 THE CAMPFIRE - MENTORS 🔥 Introducing our

🔥 THE CAMPFIRE - MENTORS 🔥

Introducing our mentors for The Campfire, our exclusive songwriting program for Academy alumni, run in collaboration with the @gympiemusicmuster

LINC PHELPS

Gympie singer-songwriter, @lincphelpsmusic, has been immersed in music since picking up a guitar at age ten. Born to play, he gravitated toward roots and Americana, feeling more aligned with its storytelling than the US pop-country dominating Australian airwaves at the time. Influenced by Bruce Springsteen, John Prine and Bonnie Raitt, Linc developed a sound defined by honesty and grit.

That authenticity has led him to collaborate with some of the industry’s finest; cowriting @adambrandofficial and @mattcornellmusic’s #1 hit ‘Our Church’, and writing with @wolfe_brothers @gavincarfoot @melodymoko @jenmizemusic and @pagannewmanmusic

Linc’s album, ‘Faith & Sweat’, debuted at #2 on the @aria_official Australian Country Albums Chart. Featuring five hit singles including #1’s ‘Dear Mind’ (a duet with Melody Moko) and ‘Hundred Percent’. In August, Linc also unveiled a reimagined version of @graemeconnors_official’s classic ‘Prodigal Son’, earning the icon’s full endorsement.

Apply now to attend The Campfire from 24 - 27 August 2026!

Applications close Friday 10 April, link in bio.

#theacademy #thecampfire

🔥 THE CAMPFIRE - MENTORS 🔥 Introducing our

🔥 THE CAMPFIRE - MENTORS 🔥

Introducing our mentors for The Campfire, our exclusive songwriting program for Academy alumni, run in collaboration with the @gympiemusicmuster

JEN MIZE

@jenmizemusic has built her reputation as a formidable songwriter and performer. Her debut album, ‘Fear, Pride & A Few Stubborn Angels’ charted on the ‘Americana Top 100’ in the USA, her 2016 sophomore album ‘Warnings and Wisdom’ (produced by @shanenicholson ) scored Mize rave reviews...her 2018 collaboration with songwriter Mark Sholtez ‘Twilight On The Trail’ saw that absolutely sublime record signed to Sony.

Her current project, the 8-piece country/soul band ‘Jen Mize & The Rough N’ Tumble’ has recently set the music scene ablaze. Jen and the fellas released their self-titled album in early 2023 and it quickly brought them two #1 singles on the Amrap Radio Charts, along with racking up some serious accolades with 4-star reviews in both The Australian & Rhythms Magazine, all while landing the RN’T the 2023 @qldmusicawards Award for Blues and Roots. Their record then spent a whopping 5 months in the top 20 on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay Chart. The next ‘Jen Mize & Rough N’ Tumble’ record ‘Tilt’ is set to come out in 2026.

Jen has played some of the major music festivals around Australia including @woodfordfolkfestival @gympiemusicmuster @dashvilleskyline @caloundramusicfestival and @tcmf_official. Jen also mentors up and coming songwriters through programs like The @dagsheepstation Songwriter’s Retreat (NSW), @thesongmuster (QLD), @lynbowtell’s @she_songwriting_retreats (Nat’l), USQ’s MacGregor School (QLD), and songwriting masterclasses at @qutrealworld and @jmcacademy

Apply now to attend The Campfire from 24 - 27 August 2026!

Applications close Friday 10 April, link in bio.

#theacademy #thecampfire #gympiemuster #jenmize

🔥 THE CAMPFIRE - MENTORS 🔥 Introducing our

🔥 THE CAMPFIRE - MENTORS 🔥

Introducing our mentors for The Campfire, our exclusive songwriting program for Academy alumni, run in collaboration with the @gympiemusicmuster

MELODY MOKO

@melodymoko is an award-winning artist who believes in that apparently old-fashioned notion that songs should be about something, and that articulating universal themes and concerns through the personal, can and will, confront listeners, and hopefully prompt reflection and maybe change.

In every sense, Melody is a musical activist who speaks about what she believes in and what she stands for as a human. She does it with heart, swagger, attitude and commitment.

Melody’s style is a natural and heartfelt extension of her personality and perspective on life; her songs reside under the wide umbrella of Americana. But there’s a lot more going on as you’ll discover when you listen to her songs. Really, Melody is simply a very, very fine contemporary singer and songwriter. There are no genres required.

Her albums, ‘Two Kids & A Radio’ and ‘Suburban Dream’ both debuted at #1 on the @aria_official Charts.

Melody Moko is a Golden Guitar & @qldmusicawards Award winner, and was a finalist for the prestigious @australianmusicprize

Apply now to attend The Campfire from 24 - 27 August 2026!

Applications close Friday 10 April (link in our bio to apply).

#theacademy #thecampfire #gympiemuster #melodymoko

We’re very excited to have partnered with the @g

We’re very excited to have partnered with the @gympiemusicmuster to now include a full scholarship to attend the Senior Academy as part of the prize package for the winner of the Open category of the @mothertoneusa Muster Talent Search! Get those entries in people!

Get @reshare_app • @gympiemusicmuster 🤠 Got what it takes to hit the Muster stage? 🎶🎙️
Entries are NOW OPEN for the 2026 Muster Talent Search!
💥 Prize pool worth over $31,000
🎤 Open & Junior Categories
This is your chance to shine, be seen, and take your music to the next level
👉 Apply now: https://www.muster.com.au/talent-search/
Applications close Sunday 10 May 2026
GYMPIE MUSIC MUSTER 27-30 AUGUST 2026
#gympiemuster #visitgympieregion #thisisqueensland
#mustertalent #talentsearch mothertone

🔥 THE CAMPFIRE - MENTORS 🔥 Introducing our

🔥 THE CAMPFIRE - MENTORS 🔥

Introducing our mentors for The Campfire, our exclusive songwriting program for Academy alumni, run in collaboration with the @gympiemusicmuster

LYN BOWTELL

@lynbowtell is a ten-time Golden Guitar Award winner, Toyota @starmakeraust winner, MO Award winner, 2022 Hands of Fame inductee, and 2026 Galaxy Of Stars inductee. With her remarkable voice, masterful songwriting, and magnetic stage presence, she’s become one of Australian country music’s most respected and versatile artists.

From her early days with award-winning trio @bella_trio_au to her work with @bennettbowtellurquhart and in her solo career, Lyn’s music continues to resonate with depth and craft.

Lyn is also the Founder and Artistic Director of @she_songwriting_retreats - empowering women to create, connect and grow through songwriting - and has had a long and positive involvement with The Academy, from her time as a former student through to her many years as Artistic Director, a role she has held since 2016, with a passion for mentoring the next generation of artists.

Apply now to attend The Campfire from 24 - 27 August 2026!

Applications close Friday 10 April, link in our bio.

#theacademy #thecampfire #lynbowtell #gympiemuster

🔥 THE CAMPFIRE - MENTORS 🔥 Introducing our

🔥 THE CAMPFIRE - MENTORS 🔥

Introducing our mentors for The Campfire, our exclusive songwriting program for Academy alumni, run in collaboration with the @gympiemusicmuster

ROGER CORBETT

@rogercorbett1 has been the General Manager of @theacademycmaa for well over a decade, but his history with the organisation goes way back. Prior to being appointed as GM, Roger took on the roles of Academy Director, Group Leader, Guest Songwriter, and Songwriting and Instrumental Masterclass Tutor, which he started doing in 1998. Since then, Roger has mentored some of the Australian country music industry’s most successful artists.

Roger has also been an integral member of the multi-award winning, iconic Aussie band, @thebushwackersofficial for 40+ years, as well as being the band’s principal songwriter. The Bushwackers have released 27 albums, won three Golden Guitars, three MO Awards, have four gold records and were inducted into the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown in January 2021. Boasting a touring and recording career spanning over 50 years, The Bushwackers continue to perform to sell-out crowds whenever they go, including being crowd favourites at the Gympie Music Muster.

Roger will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to The Campfire, and is excited for this new collaboration to take place.

Apply now to attend The Campfire from 24 - 27 August 2026!

Applications close Friday 10 April (link in our bio to apply).

#theacademy #thecampfire #gympiemuster #rogercorbett #thebushwackers

CONGRATULATIONS Rhiannon Hopcroft, winner of the @

CONGRATULATIONS Rhiannon Hopcroft, winner of the @matonguitars raffle, drawn last Tuesday 31 March at the @fitzroybowls club!

🇺🇸🇦🇺 NASHVILLE / TAMWORTH EXCHANGE Ap

🇺🇸🇦🇺 NASHVILLE / TAMWORTH EXCHANGE

Applications are now OPEN on our website for the 2026 CMAA Academy Sister Cities Nashville Exchange program!

The @cmaaofficial working with @tamworthregionalcouncil and @scnashville are facilitating this fourth cultural exchange between the sister cities of Tamworth NSW and Nashville TN. It will see a former graduate of The Academy spend three weeks in Nashville in September this year, writing, performing and networking, and in exchange, a US artist will attend the 2027 Senior Academy and @tcmf_official next January.

The Nashville visit will include participation in the iconic @americanafest festival and conference, and the registration fee will be part of the scholarship. The selected participant may also be part of showcase events presented by @soundsaustralia who have been involved in the Nashville event for 16 years (subject to Sounds Australia’s ongoing involvement in Americanafest).

This opportunity is only available to past ACADEMY GRADUATES who are current financial members of the CMAA aged 21+.

This opportunity WILL NOT be available to past graduates who have already won Toyota @starmakeraust, the @apraamcos Professional Development Award or a Golden Guitar Award.

Applications will close at 5pm (AEST) Tuesday 21 April.
APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE ➡️ link in bio.

This project is supported by the @nswgov through @soundnsw, with additional thanks to our major sponsor, @matonguitars for helping us fund the travel. Thanks also to @soundsaustralia @apraamcos and @americanafest for their ongoing support.

Pictured below: @nathanlamontofficial our successful 2025 Academy exchange student, performing live at a Sounds Australia event in Nashville.

#theacademy #nashvilleexchange #sistercities #exchangeprogram

Day 1 of Junior Academy 2025 had all this and more

Day 1 of Junior Academy 2025 had all this and more, and by the end of the week, everyone was best friends! If you want to be part of this creative community, apply now.

Applications have just been extended to 14 April. Ask us about available funding if the fee is a problem for you. We understand times are tough and we’re here to help.

📷📽️ @roamingcreatives
🎼 @the.buckleys

#theacademy #junioracademy #findyourtribe

What a fun night we had at our first Academy open

What a fun night we had at our first Academy open mic at @qirkz_hunter which felt like a mini family reunion! ❤️ Thanks to our wonderful alumni (and guests) who performed, the beautiful audience who came to support, and Yaron and staff at Qirkz for having us.

Back L-R: @ada_k_music @joshbeveridgemusic @milliemaymills @henry_catania_music @lucybeveridgemusic @ashtonwenning_music @bellenormanmusic @charlijade_music @lynbowtell

Front L-R: @taylormadeartistservices @rogercorbett1 @imogenhallmusic

Not pictured @izzymaevemusic @k_rogers143 @indysuemusic

⌚️ Time is ticking! There’s less than a week

⌚️ Time is ticking! There’s less than a week to get those applications in to be part of this year’s Junior Academy, an incubator for our nation’s best young country singers, songwriters, performers and musicians. If you want to spend a life-changing week with likeminded peers, get your applications in NOW!

Closing 31 March (link in bio)

📷 @roamingcreatives featuring 2025 Junior Graduates (L-R) @joss.walsh @miahevelynmusic & @travisjonesmusic

#theacademy #junioracademy #singers #songwriters #musicians

Our Junior program is aimed at talented kids all a

Our Junior program is aimed at talented kids all around Australia, but our Kiwi friends over the ditch are also welcome to apply! We’ve been honoured to host many of our Kiwi cousins over the years and we always welcome them into our Academy family with open arms. No matter which corner of Australia or New Zealand you are from, we’d love to see what you’ve got. Apply today, time is ticking! ⏱️

👉🏼 link in bio to apply

📷 @roamingcreatives featuring Briar Sharp from NZ

#theacademy #australiaandnewzealand #kiwis

Are you the parent of a musically talented child w

Are you the parent of a musically talented child with no idea how to help them? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. But at The Academy, we have the knowledge and support crew who can help you out, all while your child is learning and growing and having the time of their lives!

Check out our Junior program, held in Tamworth during the NSW winter school holidays, which includes a tailored course specifically to help parents navigate the music industry. Spots are limited so apply today.

💻 link in bio
🗓️ Applications close 31 March

📷 @roamingcreatives

#theacademy #parentcourse #musicindustry #musicbusiness #talentedchildren

CALLING HUNTER VALLEY ALUMNI! 🎤 The Academy is

CALLING HUNTER VALLEY ALUMNI! 🎤

The Academy is presenting an Open Mic night on Thursday 26 March at @qirkz_hunter. Featuring the stars of tomorrow fresh from attending The Academy, these young artists will be a very special addition to this first Qirkz open mic night. Limited to 10 acts, there are still some spots available, so get in touch if you’d like to perform.

The Academy Director, @lynbowtell and General Manager, @rogercorbett1 (of @thebushwackersofficial pictured below with @lucybeveridgemusic) will be on deck to MC the proceedings, and maybe even perform a cheeky song or two.

Delicious pizzas available 🍕 we’ll be kicking off at 7:30pm. Free show, although it will feel like one you’d pay to see!

📷 @roamingcreatives

#theacademy #huntervalley #openmic #performanceopportunities

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to our mate and alumni @judah

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to our mate and alumni @judah_kelly on his recent success at the OSCARS!!!! 😱🤩🏆 Judah was a cast member of @thesingersfilm which, on Sunday night, took out @theacademy Award for Best Live Action Short Film 🎬 (watch it now on @netflix).

Judah is a 3x graduate of The Academy, having done both the Junior and Senior courses as a Singer/Songwriter/Performer and an Instrumentalist (2011, 2014 & 2015) and we couldn’t be prouder of him! You may remember him from season 6 of @thevoiceau when he won the competition, but we remember him best from his days at The Academy as a youngster, as seen in these pics ❤️

Well done Judah, we can’t wait to see what you do next!

#theacademy #theacademyawards #theoscars #thesingers #judahkelly

2 weeks to go to get those Junior Academy applicat

2 weeks to go to get those Junior Academy applications in! Don’t miss your chance to perform on stage to a packed out audience with a backing band of professional musicians and your peers. What are you waiting for? 💫 Applications close 31 March.

💻 link in bio

📷 @roamingcreatives featuring L-R @dustyrose.official Harper Jessop & @poppy.walmsley_music 🥁

#theacademy #junioracademy #singers #songwriters #musicians

🔥 Look what we’ve been cooking up! 🔥 THE

🔥 Look what we’ve been cooking up! 🔥

THE CAMPFIRE

In collaboration with the @gympiemusicmuster we are thrilled to announce this exclusive songwriting opportunity for Academy alumni, held during the Pre-Muster event in the beautiful Amamoor Forest.

For more details and to apply, head to our website:
https://academycountrymusic.com.au/the-campfire-gympie-muster/

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BEHAVIOURAL CODE OF CONDUCT

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and pay our respect to Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together.

The Academy is an ally of the LGBTQI+ community and all students, guardians, staff and guests, regardless of how they identify, will be treated with respect.