Bands, songwriters and producers can apply for one of three grants of $5,000 cash and $5,000 of Yamaha gear, with entries closing 6 October.
Yamaha Music Australia has reopened applications for its Main Stage Grant, back for a second year after launching in 2025. Three Australian acts will each take home $5,000 in cash plus $5,000 of Yamaha gear, one from each of the grant’s categories – bands, songwriters and artists, and studio or music producers.
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Main Stage Grant 2026
- What: $5,000 cash plus $5,000 of Yamaha gear for one winner in each of three categories – bands, songwriters and artists, and studio or music producers
- When: applications close 10am AEST Tuesday 6 October, finalists announced 27 October, recipients announced 17 November
- Apply here
Applications are open now and close at 10am AEST on Tuesday 6 October, with finalists named on 27 October and the three recipients announced on 17 November. A panel of industry figures and tastemakers will pick the winners alongside Yamaha Music Australia.
Last year’s grant drew more than 500 applicants and went to Sydney art-folk group Beryl in the band category, songwriter Dylan Atlantis and electronic producer Moss. Beryl put the money and gear straight to work, saying, “It genuinely helped move our career forward. The grant helped us record our upcoming third album, and it also provided us with some great Yamaha gear to take on tour.”
New for 2026, Yamaha is donating $5 to Support Act for every application received, putting funds toward the organisation’s assistance for people working in music.
“The response to Main Stage last year was incredible, and confirmed there was a real demand for a program like this,” says Mitch Kelly of Yamaha Music Australia. “What stood out most wasn’t just the volume of applications, but the quality of the talent and the stories behind them. It reinforced our belief that Main Stage could become something much bigger than we originally imagined.”
The Main Stage Grant runs alongside Yamaha’s other Australian programs, including the Great Start Grant for schools and its Share Your Moment competition.
Applications for this year’s grant are open through Yamaha Music Australia.
