First Nations BEATS mentoring program

First Nations BEATS is a six-month mentored program for First Nations musicians and music industry enthusiasts aged 18 to 30. Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre in Deniliquin leads the program. It combines online mentoring with an in-person sound-lab and a program showcase. Applications close 30 November 2026 - APPLY NOW

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About BEATS

BEATS stands for Band Enabling and Training Sound-Lab. It is a new initiative for young First Nations emerging musicians and music industry enthusiasts. Whether you make music solo, play in a band, or want a career in the music industry, BEATS is for you.

Participants take part in an online music industry training and mentoring program. This is followed by an intensive in-person sound-lab at the Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre in Deniliquin. The intensive culminates in a program showcase. Successful applicants help shape the program with their input, so BEATS fits the people taking part.

Three training streams

Choose one stream, or cross over between them to build the skills you need.

• Music and Performance:

Instrument proficiency, songwriting, stage presence, collaboration and live sound basics. Applicants need some music industry experience, such as playing covers, making music, songwriting, DJing or other live performance.

• Behind the Scenes and Technical Production:

Live sound engineering, lighting, stage management, recording and production. Applicants may have an interest in, or experience with, stage production, recording, live performance, lighting or audio engineering.

• Business and Industry Knowledge:

Booking gigs, touring, marketing and promotion, publishing, rights, merchandise, fundraising and event management.

Who should apply

• Young musicians: solo artists, bands and ensemble

• Aspiring sound engineers, producers, and lighting or production crew

• Emerging event managers, promoters and marketers

• Young adults who want to build a career in the live music industry

What BEATS offers

• Hands-on experience led by industry professionals and artists

• Workshops with industry professionals

• Online mentoring after the in-person intensive

• A chance to build connections with peers who want to make a more musical work

• A say in shaping the program to meet participants' needs

How to apply

Apply online using the First Nations BEATS Expression of Interest form. Applications close 30 November 2026.

APPLY NOW

Need another way to apply? If you have accessibility needs, or a learning requirement that makes the form hard to complete, contact Karen Wilson at karen.wilson@yarkuwa.org.au. Alternative ways to apply are available.

Want to find out more? Contact Karen Wilson at karen.wilson@yarkuwa.org.au.

First Nations BEATS is funded by Sound NSW. It is supported by Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre Aboriginal Corporation (YARKUWA), South West Arts (SWA) and Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance (ARAA).

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