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Venus Bay’s Eric Collier joins 2026 CMAA Senior Course, supported by a Sound NSW Scholarship

From January 5-16, 29 emerging artists from Australia, New Zealand, and the US will attend the 2026 CMA Academy Senior Course in Tamworth, gaining mentorship, skills, and career development.

By news@gippsland - 12th December 2025 - Back to News

From New Zealand to Nashville, 29 emerging artists will converge on Tamworth this January for the 2026 Senior Course of The Country Music Association of Australia Academy of Country Music. Running from January 5–16, the intensive course is regarded as one of the most respected artist development programs in Australian country music. This year’s students include 24 singer-songwriter performers and five instrumental students who will make up The Academy band.

Venus Bay singer-songwriter Eric Collier joins 2026 CMAA Senior Course in Tamworth, supported by a Sound NSW Scholarship

Global interest grows

The 2026 Senior Course attracted more than 50 applications this year, highlighting the interest in this one-of-a-kind course. Students are travelling from five out of six Australian states and both territories, plus
three from New Zealand and one from the United States. Academy Director Lyn Bowtell said the continued international interest showed how far the program’s influence now reached.

"It’s inspiring to see artists from so many places wanting to be part of this experience. "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," Lyn said.

Guided by legends

Academy General Manager Roger Corbett said the course blended mentorship and realworld experience. "Our goal is to give these artists the skills to build sustainable careers. They leave Tamworth with new songs, new collaborations, and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed in this industry," Roger said.

The 2026 program will be guided by Group Leaders Simon Johnson, Gretta Ziller, Anthony Snape, and Melody Moko, with support from an accomplished team of guest tutors and industry mentors. Celebrating nearly 30 years, The Academy, originally founded in 1997 as The College of Country Music, has helped shape the paths of hundreds of artists who have gone on to become Golden Guitar winners, chart-topping performers, and industry leaders.

Pictures from Eric Collier Music Facebook Reels.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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