THE JUNIOR ACADEMY
The Junior Academy is scheduled to run from 5 – 12 July 2025. Applications are NOW OPEN.
About The Junior Academy (incorporating the Parent course)
JUNIOR STUDENT COURSE
The Academy places emphasis on nurturing different creative styles within the broad definition of country music today. This course runs for 8 days culminating in a graduation concert in front of a live audience, with the presentation ceremony scheduled on Day 8. Students will receive intense tuition in every aspect of country music including performance, songwriting, musicianship, working in a group and harmony singing.
There are opportunities to co-write in one-on-one sessions with professional songwriters, co-write with fellow students, network with professional artists and get a first class foundation course in country music, as well as creating an extended friendship network that is unique in the music industry.
Topics for Junior Students include:
- Performance
- Songwriting
- Musicianship
- Career building
- Working in a group environment
- Stagecraft
- Concert preparation
- Harmony singing
- Music tech
INSTRUMENTAL COURSE
Our intensive instrumental course runs alongside the singer/songwriter/performer course and the two compliment each other. Aimed at young musicians who want to improve their musicianship, learn about reading and writing chord and number charts, connect with likeminded peers and have the opportunity to play as part of a band. Many aspects of the SSP course are entwined with the instrumental course, but instrumentalists also receive tuition specific to them, the instruments they play and working with a band. With a focus on guitars (rhythm and lead), bass, drums, keys and fiddle, we can cater to most instruments so please contact us if you have an enquiry about an instrument not listed.
Parents/guardians of instrumental students receive the same parent course during the program.
PARENT COURSE
Parents and guardians also receive a unique foundation music business course suited to managing their child’s musical future.
As students in the Junior course MUST BE accompanied by a parent or guardian, a separate course especially designed for them is available while they are with their children in Tamworth at The Academy.
The course is aimed at helping parents/guardians understand the music industry and how best to help their talented children develop their skills.
For Junior students who want to develop a professional career, this course is invaluable for parents. The keynote talks and the networking with other parents helps to understand how to assist their children in developing a career path.
Topics for The Parent Course include:
• Managing your child’s career and expectations
• How to write a bio and a media release
• What a venue expects of an artist
• When is your child ready to record?
• Self management
The course is educational, informative and interactive. Parents are encouraged to contribute ideas, share experiences and develop a support network for the future.
This unique parent course at The Academy has been universally acclaimed by parents as a hands-on, down to earth, common sense, eye-opening course for self management.
INFORMATION & FEES
Fee: Junior Course: $3000 inc gst.
Fees include: 8 days of intensive tuition and master classes, take-home resources, plus daily morning tea, lunch and dinner for one student and one parent or guardian. Accommodation NOT included. Certificate presentations will take place on the 8th day.
Location: Liberty College Campus, 582 Goonoo Goonoo Road, Tamworth NSW.
Dates: 5 July to 12 July 2025.
Applications CLOSE 31 March 2025.
Accommodation: Not included but we recommend Paradise Tourist Park or Econo Lodge Gateway Tamworth as affordable options, relatively close-by.
If you have any queries about the course please contact us HERE
After successful application, students will be required to pay a 25% deposit in order to hold their place. The balance will be payable in full prior to commencement of the course.
Applications must include:
- Official Application Form.
- 2 x medium resolution (2MB) jpg or png colour photos (one headshot, one publicity). Please note that photos provided will be used for publicity and promotion throughout The Academy journey.
- 1 x mp4 or mov file of the student’s song, recording or live performance. Applicants should consider the quality of the recording as potential students will be assessed on these recordings. A good quality demo with acoustic guitar and vocal is often preferable to a ‘live’ recording if there is too much background noise.
- Social media/YouTube URL and/or website URL for upload as per online instructions (if applicable).
- If submitting an original song, songwriters will also need to attach lyrics.
- A reference from an existing country music practitioner (producer, songwriter, performer, festival organiser, teacher) is a valuable asset when applying, but is not a necessity.
Open to students aged 17 and under.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN YOUR ACADEMY APPLICATION
- Talent, Skill, and Craftsmanship: Demonstrate your musical ability and dedication to the craft. We’re looking for artists who stand out with their unique voice and talents.
- A Strong Submission: Your video performance should be captivating, showcasing the best of your abilities. Make sure it reflects your artistry at its finest.
- Can we see your face and is your guitar in tune?
- Is your song choice the best choice for the application?
- Do you think another cover of ‘Jolene’ or ‘Wagon Wheel’ are the best choice? Perhaps an original might let us know more about you as an artist?
- Don’t just use what you have if you can record a new performance more suitable, this is important!
- Thoughtful Responses: Take time with your answers to give us a clear sense of who you are as an artist, your values, and your creative vision.
- A Passion for Country Music: While country is a broad genre, it’s easy to tell when it’s not at the heart of your music. Be mindful in selecting songs that genuinely reflect your love for the genre.
- Effort in Your Application: Show us that you’ve invested time and care into your submission. A well-prepared application speaks volumes about your commitment.
- Career Potential: Highlight how you’re actively working to develop your career. We’re looking for artists who are dedicated to honing their craft and growing as professionals.
- Social Media Presence: Let us see how you’re building your online community and engaging with fans as an artist.