APRA AMCOS' SongMakers program and the Victorian Government are thrilled to announce the inaugural SongMakers Academy: a free, three-day songwriting intensive in Melbourne/ Naarm during the spring school holidays.
16 talented young songwriters from across the state will have the opportunity to write, produce and record three original songs at professional recording studios in Melbourne/ Naarm’s inner north, including Rolling Rock Studio and Carriage Studio.
Music industry pros will guide the participants, including ARIA-nominated artist/ producer, Alice Ivy and ARIA Award winning mix engineer, songwriter and producer, Pip Norman.
SongMakers Academy
- 1-3 October 2024, 9am – 4:30pm
- Various recording studios in Collingwood, Melbourne/ Naarm
- Applications open here for previous SongMakers participants aged 16-21
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The program aims to foster the skills of creative collaboration and problem-solving, while familiarising participants with the dynamics of professional recording studios. Any 16 to 21-year-old who participated in a Victorian SongMakers school or holiday program over 2023 or 2024 is encouraged to apply. Participants will be selected based on their enthusiasm to develop new skills and knowledge.
From Alice Ivy: “The SongMakers Academy is such an incredible opportunity for past SongMakers participants! It provides an invaluable experience of working with professional songwriters and producers as well as being able to walk away with songs for your project. You can learn so much, I can’t express how amazing this opportunity is.”
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Al Parkinson, Victorian Manager: SongMakers, explains: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for young creative Victorians. SongMakers Academy will further enhance the participants’ songwriting and collaboration skills developed within the school SongMakers workshops to help expand their understanding of the music industry and cultivate valuable connections.
“They will get the opportunity to work with accomplished producers in professional recording studios, exactly like walking into a real-world writing and recording session. This is a remarkable and distinctive pathway whilst also creating and building their musical community. It is a ‘one-of-a-kind’ school holiday experience!”
This SongMakers Academy program is made possible with funding from the Victorian Government. In February 2024, the Victorian Government provided $2 million funding for SongMakers. This funding will see the program deliver songwriting and contemporary music industry skills development workshops in Victoria for over 1,400 young people. The $2 million investment in SongMakers underscores Victoria’s unwavering dedication to fostering a dynamic and inclusive music ecosystem.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said: “Victoria is the music capital of Australia and to maintain that reputation, we are investing in the next generation of musical talent. SongMakers is the biggest program of its kind in the country and the Allan Labor Government is proud to back our world-class music industry from the classroom to the bandroom, and beyond.”
Last week APRA AMCOS announced two new SongMakers Victoria positions – Al Parkinson as Manager and Kat Taylor as Coordinator of the Victorian programs.
By prioritising initiatives that empower aspiring artists and songwriters, Victoria has set the stage for a future where creativity flourishes and opportunities go global.
For more information and to apply, head here.
