BACKGROUND

Join The Campfire – the inaugural collaboration between the CMAA Academy of Country Music (The Academy) and the Gympie Music Muster (The Muster). Held over three inspiring days during the Pre-Muster, this immersive program will give emerging Academy alumni rare, close-quarters access to award-winning tutors and seasoned industry mentors.

Attendees will participate in hands-on, practical sessions in a relaxed “campfire” setting.

WHAT TO EXPECT 

• Hands-on songwriting and co-writing sessions “around the fire”
• Songwriting workshops
• Song critiquing with feedback from tutors
• Evening song sharing – writers in the round
• A place to jam, collaborate and foster connections
• Special guest mentor
• Opportunity to perform in an Academy songwriter showcase at The Muster

More than training, The Campfire is a creative incubator, an enhancement to The Academy experience, a place to jam, collaborate, test new material, rekindle and build lasting industry connections with like-minded artists and mentors.

SELECTION PROCESS

The successful participants will be chosen by The Academy panel. Participant choices will be based on the quality of the applications submitted and the applying alumni’s track record.

Please provide as much information as you think is relevant to your application.

Limited spots will ensure personalised attention and meaningful feedback.

This opportunity is only available to past ACADEMY GRADUATES who are aged 18 or over.

FEES

$990 (inc. GST)
This is a subsidised fee, thanks to funding provided by Gympie Music Muster and the Australian Institute of Country Music.

Includes: 

• 3-day The Campfire program 
• 4-Day Artist pass to the Gympie Muster (and access to Pre-Muster) 
• Tent accommodation – reserved festival campground (BYO bedding)*
• Meals provided from 23/8 to 26/8
  
• Access to Artist Hospitality to purchase meals during the festival

 * Tents not compulsory, participants can provide their own accommodation if preferred.

IMPORTANT DATES

Applications open: Friday 13 March 2026
Applications close: Friday 10 April 2026
The Campfire: Monday 24 August to Wednesday 26 August 2026 (accommodation from Sunday 23 August)
Songwriter Showcase: Thursday 27 August 2026

Festival dates:
Pre-Muster: Monday 24 to Wednesday 26 August
The Muster: Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 August

Before applying, please ensure you are available to travel to the Gympie Music Muster (Amamoor State Forest, QLD) between 23 to 27 August 2026.