Academy Of Country Music 2025 Senior Course Students Wow In Tamworth

Tamworth has hosted students from across Australia, New Zealand, and Nashville over the last week for this year’s The Academy of Country Music’s Senior Course. 

For this year’s course, 27 students aged 17 to 44 have participated in the twelve-day itinerary (the course goes from 6-17 January), with the Graduation Concert happening tonight at Tamworth bar and music venue Moonshiners at 7 pm.

After graduation, this year’s students—who we expect to hear more from very soon—will take to the stage at the Tamworth Country Music Festival on 17 January, playing at the Official Opening Concert at Toyota Park.

Students have experienced the intensive course with Artistic Director Lyn Bowtell, General Manager Roger Corbett, Group Leaders Simon Johnson, Duncan Toombs, Gretta Ziller, Anthony Snape, and special guests, including Kasey Chambers.

Chambers has visited The Academy’s students for nearly 20 years, and the 2025 course was no different. She offered insights into her illustrious career and jammed with the students last week (9 January).

During their course, the students also participated in a flash mob performance at Centrepoint Tamworth, delivering a performance of John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads. A taste of what’s to come at Moonshiners tonight; you can find out more about the CMAA Academy of Country Music and the Graduation Concert here.

Discussing the transformative experience of the Senior Course, Lyn Bowtell said, “The Academy is not just a music course; it’s a place where students uncover who they are as artists.  

“Many leave saying it’s the turning point in their careers. They gain more than skills—they gain lifelong friendships and a network of mentors.” 

Roger Corbett added, “Students come from all corners of Australia and beyond, and for many, it’s the first time they feel truly understood as musicians.  

“It’s about finding their place. Year after year, graduates tell us they’ve found their ‘tribe’ here. The friendships, the guidance, the performance opportunities - it’s a journey like no other.” 

The Academy of Country Music 2025 Senior Course Students

Singer-Songwriter-Performer Students

Abigail Wighton, Ashfield NSW

Andrew Wortes, Tumut NSW 

Beth Lucas, Clontarf QLD 

Carly Robinson, Tamworth NSW - Tamworth Regional Council John Minson Scholarship 

Chloe Jade, Wangaratta VIC - Mary Dean Scholarship

Ella Hartwig, Brisbane QLD - The Gemba Group Toyota Scholarship

Gemma Tiller, Halbury SA 

Hayden Phillis, Como NSW 

Heath Milner, North Mackay QLD 

Hazel Luckhurst, Somerville VIC 

Jimmy McGrath, Exmouth WA 

Kymberlee Corby, Pleystowe QLD 

LJ Parks, New Town TAS 

Maia Fletcher, Invercargill NZ - Maccas Golden Gig Scholarship

Millie Cottam, Winton NZ - Whitney Family Scholarship

Millie Mills, Maryvale NSW - Sound NSW Scholarship

Mitchell Steele, Georgetown QLD - Keith Urban Scholarship

Olive Mae, Cowaramup WA 

Paul Ricketts, Sandy Ridges QLD - CMAA 2024 Thornton Young Award

Sally Balfour, Parap NT - Royal Darwin Show Scholarship 

Sam Fletcher, Congo NSW - JMC Academy Scholarship

Sam Hatmaker, Nashville USA - Nashville Exchange Student Scholarship

Sam Snape, Boggabri NSW 

Tahla Ward, Riverton NZ - Whitney Family Scholarship 

Instrumental Students

Ashlyn Dinsdale, Loganholme QLD 

Dan Neave, Mermaid Beach QLD 

Josh Beveridge, Brightwaters NSW