Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship – a one-of-a-kind opportunity for music creators from across Australia
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO), Abbey Road Institute Australia and Studios 301 are teaming up for a second year in a row to offer a fully-paid scholarship for the CUA60520 Advanced Diploma of Music course.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music creators from across the country are encouraged to apply for the one year programme. Expressions of interest open today and will close on Friday 11 November at 5PM AEDT.
Designed by industry for industry, the CUA60520 Advanced Diploma of Music course aims to build a music professional’s capability in music production or sound engineering so they can take their career to the next level.
Artist, producer and songwriter Blake Rhodes, who performs as Mr Rhodes, was the first recipient. He will complete the course at the end of 2022. A Bundjalung man from Lismore, NSW, Rhodes relocated to Sydney to undertake his studies and expand his career.
“We at NATSIMO are thrilled to continue this scholarship and partnership with Abbey Road Institute and Studios 301. We have witnessed how this has promoted the career trajectory of Blake Rhodes as our first participant across many music industry initiatives and showcases nationally. We hope that the next Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander producer, musician or engineer recipient of the scholarship, also enhances their creative practice and furthers their career pathways during their studies at Abbey Road Institute and Studios 301,”
said Jacob Ridgeway, Manager, NATSIMO.
“The access to this type of gear and the access to the community and the minds that are here that are more than happy to just have a yarn, check out what you are doing, give you a little feedback – nothing can top it. There’s no limit on what you can do through the program.”
Rhodes said
“I’m so proud to see Blake thriving in this opportunity. He’s really taken advantage of everything that we’ve offered, and I think he’ll be an excellent example for others when they are ready! His work ethic is exceptional; it looks like there isn’t much stopping him from achieving anything his mind sets its eyes on right now, which could also make him one influential leader down the line too (maybe even sooner than expected!),”
said Ron Haryanto, CEO, Abbey Road Institute Australia and GM, Studios 301.
“It’s a pleasure and an honour to again support this initiative with NATSIMO, and we look forward to welcoming our next scholarship recipient in 2023,”
said Haryanto.
The package is valued at a total of $30,100, which includes a $25,100 scholarship from Abbey Road Institute Australia and a $5,000 study bursary from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office and APRA AMCOS.
The successful applicant will have access to industry-standard equipment and studios throughout their studies.
In-person study will take place between Studios 301 and Abbey Road Institute’s Sydney campus, with regular recording sessions at Studios 301, to ensure the participant has access to some of the best recording facilities in the world.
This scholarship provides a chance to learn and become part of a global network in the recording industry. The participant will gain insights into the breadth of the recording industry and use this to develop their career path. They will have access to a professional network consisting of sound engineers, producers and artists.
On completion of their studies, the recipient will have the opportunity to visit Abbey Road Studios in London for the global graduation ceremony.
photo: Blake Rhodes at Studios 301 (photo Jess Gleeson)