The Sound NSW investment will bring collaborative songwriting workshops to thousands more young musicians over the next two years.
APRA AMCOS’s SongMakers program is set for a major expansion across New South Wales, backed by $1.53 million in funding from the state government through Sound NSW. The collaborative songwriting initiative pairs young musicians with acclaimed artists and producers to co-write and record original music, and the funding will extend its reach significantly through 2026 and 2027.
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Since its 2013 launch, SongMakers has worked with over 5,000 young people and their teachers across more than 300 high schools nationally, resulting in over 1,500 original songs. The program has an impressive track record of alumni who’ve gone on to establish careers in the industry, including Chelsea Warner, Chloe Dadd, Taka Perry, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, and Tia Gostelow.
Next year’s NSW program kicks off with workshops in Western Sydney, the Central Coast and the state’s south-east. Confirmed mentors include Chloe Dadd, Dobby, Hylander, KLP, Lily Richardson from CLEWS, and Mr Rhodes, with more to be announced.
Emily Collins, Head of Sound NSW, highlighted the program’s proven impact: “Sound NSW is proud to support the expansion of SongMakers, a program that has a proven track record of inspiring young people and nurturing the next generation of Australian songwriters. This investment ensures that students across NSW can access high-quality creative learning experiences led by some of our most exciting artists and producers.”
The expanded program includes in-school workshops, school holiday programs, SongMakers Academy, and professional development for teachers. To manage this growth, two new staff members have joined the team: NSW Program Manager Reg Harris and Coordinator Breanna Jones. Harris brings experience as Music Festival Program Manager at SXSW Sydney, Music Director at fbi radio, and Writer Services Representative at APRA AMCOS. Jones comes from a Station Manager role at fbi radio and previously worked as Creative Advisor for Accessible Arts’ Songsmiths program, alongside board positions with Off The List Records and judging roles for the Music Victoria Awards.
APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston emphasised the broader cultural significance: “Teaching songwriting in schools not only provides skills and opportunities to the next generation of stars, but also helps to keep Australia on the map as a real creator of incredible world-class music.”
All NSW government schools can now register their interest to participate. Details on holiday programs, SongMakers Academy, and teacher professional development are available here.
