What’s happening?
A fresh wave of emerging artists is heading to Tamworth this January for the 2026 Senior Course of The Academy of Country Music. The intensive program runs from January 5 to 16 and remains one of the most respected artist development courses in Australian country music. Thirty students have been selected from across Australia, New Zealand and the United States, including Mackay’s own Charli Jade.
The class includes 25 singer songwriter performers and five instrumental students who will form The Academy band. More than 50 people applied for the 2026 intake, showing the demand for this long running program.
Academy Director Lyn Bowtell said the global mix shows how far the course now reaches. “It’s inspiring to see artists from so many places wanting to be part of this experience,” Lyn said. “The Academy gives them the confidence, knowledge and professional grounding they need to take their careers to the next level, and the friendships formed here last a lifetime.”
Academy General Manager Roger Corbett said the set up brings together skill and real world learning. “Our goal is to give these artists the skills to build sustainable careers,” Roger said. “They leave Tamworth with new songs, new collaborations, and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed in this industry.”
The 2026 program will be led by Group Leaders Simon Johnson, Gretta Ziller, Anthony Snape and Melody Moko, supported by a team of guest tutors and industry mentors.
The Academy, founded in 1997 as The College of Country Music, is nearing 30 years and has helped guide hundreds of artists who have since become Golden Guitar winners, chart regulars and leaders in the industry.
Why it matters
The course gives young artists a path into a tough industry. For Mackay, having Charli Jade selected puts a local voice on a national stage and shows the region’s growing strength in music.
Local impact
Charli Jade, from Mackay, earned her spot through the Sound NSW Scholarship. Her selection helps place Mackay’s creative scene in front of national and international mentors and gives local fans someone to cheer for as she develops new work in Tamworth.
By the numbers
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The 2026 Senior Course received more than 50 applications, a sign of strong interest in this program.
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Thirty students made the final list, including performers from five Australian states, both territories, three from New Zealand and one from the United States.
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The program has been running since 1997 and has supported hundreds of artists who now hold awards and chart success.
Zoom in
Mackay’s Charli Jade joins a class that includes scholarship winners from across Australia and New Zealand. The group will spend almost two weeks writing, rehearsing and performing together, guided by leaders with long careers in the industry.
Zoom out
The Academy’s reach now pulls in students from as far as Nashville. Its mix of training, mentoring and performance remains a key part of the country music pipeline, feeding talent into festivals, venues and recording studios.
What to look for next
Students will complete their final showcase in Tamworth on January 16.
