CMAA Country Music Academy discovers new talent in Tamworth

Lili has been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to co-write a song with one of her mentors Allan Caswell as part of the CMAA Junior Country Music Academy.

“Getting to write a song with Allan Caswell as a mentor, is a once in a lifetime opportunity” Lili said.  

Country music star Travis Collins gave an inspiring talk to the students on the insights of the country music scene within Australia and what it really takes to make it in the industry.

“The biggest takeaway from the week is working with a group of like-minded people, all with the common goal to play the music they love,” Lili said.

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In eight days the students will play two live concerts in front of the Tamworth community. Lili gave some advice to young musicians thinking about applying for the camp next year, “practice and learn your instrument, and be who you are.” 

The aspiring young artists at the CMAA Junior Country Music Academy are gearing up for their final performance.

For the past few days, the students have been learning tips and tricks of the country music industry from some of the Australia’s music legends.

With years of experience in the music game mentors such as Travis Collins, David Carr and Allan Caswell were all brought on board to inspire the young academy and run intensive workshops with the students. 

The young academy has been put through their paces with workshops on how to chart write music and learn simple music theory, ahead of writing songs for their final music performance.The students learn to not only work with industry legends but also one another, with the final concert being directed by the students themselves.

Fifties inspired music has been the focus of learning this week with mentors teaching the students songs that many of the young academy have never heard of before. 

The learning doesn't stop with the students, their parents are also getting industry lead workshops by country music star Amber Lawrence on how to manage their child on and off stage. 

“It’s vital parents learn how to manage their child on and off stage, with this years focus on mental health" said CMAA Junior Country Music Academy organiser Lyn Bowtell said.

A first for the academy having Amber Lawrence lead a workshop digitally via Skype to the parents of the academy. 

Lyn Bowtell is in charge of mentoring and organising the young academy, and said that the young students put in 12 hour days without complaint.  

“You can really feel the sense of family, that will carry these kids through the industry,” she said.

The students will perform on Friday at The Family Hotel. Ms Bowtell shared advice to those are thinking of joining the academy next year. 

“Be prepared to work hard and dig deep, if you love performance and genuinely what to pursue this as a career this is for you,” she said.