Snape accepted into Academy of Country Music Senior Course

Boggabri country music artist Sam Snape has been accepted into the Academy of Country Music Senior Course in Tamworth.

Born, bred and living on the farm, Mr Snape is a down-to-earth country music artist singing songs about life in rural Australia.

He is a regular on country music scene in the Gunnedah region, but also aspires to hit the big stage, with big crowds and have his music heard all over the world.

This year’s music course in January has recruited 27 artists from as far away as Nashville, New Zealand, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Ranging in age from 17 to 44, the students are set to learn plenty from each other as well as the award-winning industry professionals who will be leading the course: artistic director Lyn Bowtell, general manager Roger Corbett, and group leaders Simon Johnson, Duncan Toombs, Gretta Ziller, Anthony Snape, and the many special guests who will join us throughout the course.

The intensive 12-day experience in Australia’s Country Music Capital from January 6-17 leads up to the Tamworth Country Music Festival and gives aspiring artists a chance to hone their skills and form invaluable connections with industry professionals and peers.

Academy director Lyn Bowtell described the academy as a transformative journey for all who attend.

“Many leave saying it’s the turning point in their careers. They gain more than skills, they gain lifelong friendships and a network of mentors,” she said.

The academy senior course offers a truly unique experience in the heart of Australia’s country music scene.

Across 12 days, students engage in hands-on workshops, songwriting sessions, performance coaching, and music business masterclasses, alongside some of the nation’s top country music artists, musicians, songwriters, and mentors.

To gain entry to the academy, applicants must show that they are wanting to pursue a career in music and demonstrate musical talent. Many more applicants are received each year than positions are available, such is the demand for the academy course.

Organisers say this demonstrates the calibre of graduates and the high regard with which the course is held in the music industry.