A young group of Sunshine Coast artists have been selected for a prestigious Tamworth music academy.
Henry Catania from Conondale, Phoebe Rose from Caloundra, Riley Carey of Maleny, and Katie Daniels of Kawana Waters, have been selected to take part in the 2025 CMAA Academy of Country Music Junior Course, running this July in Tamworth.
Henry Catania will attend on a Creative Australia Scholarship and Phoebe won the Ekka Country Music Showdown 2024 Junior section, so she also attends on a scholarship.
This national program brings together 26 students aged nine to 18 from across Australia and New Zealand for a week of intensive mentorship with award-winning artists and industry leaders, including Lyn Bowtell, Roger Corbett, Brendon Walmsley, Aleyce Simmonds, Sarah Buckley, and Simon Johnson.
Academy director Lyn Bowtell said the 2025 cohort reflected the exciting future of Australian country music.
“These young artists are already writing their own songs, playing live, and finding their voices. It’s inspiring to witness their passion and determination so early in their careers,” Lyn said.
“The Academy Junior Course isn’t just about learning the ropes – it’s about helping these kids believe in themselves as artists. I can’t wait to see what they bring to the week, and where they take their music from here.”
Academy general manager Roger Corbett said the Junior Course gave young artists a chance to connect with like-minded peers and mentors from across the country and beyond.
“Many of these students come to the Academy as the only one in their town or school who is serious about pursuing a career in music,” Roger said.
“At the Academy, they find their tribe. They connect with other young creatives who share their passion, and that sense of belonging often becomes just as important as the skills they learn throughout the week.”
The Junior Course runs in Tamworth from 5-12 July ahead of the Hats Off to Country festival in Tamworth.
