2026 Australian Music Foundation First Nations Awards

2026 Australian Music Foundation First Nations Awards
Application Form

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 10–12 studying classical music.

Please complete all sections and submit by Friday 08 May 2026

Statement of Commitment

The Australian Music Foundation (AMF) is dedicated to supporting excellence in classical music across Australia.

We acknowledge the pursuit of classical music training can be costly, and we believe financial barriers should not limit young talented and passionate musicians. This award is designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in their classical music journey.

We honour the deep cultural traditions and living history of First Nations peoples. The richness in storytelling, song, and dance and our aim is to empower young musicians through respect, access, and opportunity.

About the Award

Created in collaboration with Australian Music Foundation First Nations Advisor, Proud Koa, Kuku Yalanji, Wakka Wakka woman Nina Korbe, this award supports two Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students in Years 10–12 who are studying classical music (instrument or voice).
- Award Value: $2,500 per student
- Use of Funds: Lessons, instrument costs, transport, competition fees, etc.
- Additional Support: Mentorship and career guidance from AMF and Nina Korbe
Eligibility

To apply, you must:
- Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- Be in Years 10–12 at an Australian high school
- Be enrolled in a core music elective or involved in extracurricular music
- Be studying classical music - either a classical instrument or classical voice (including opera repertoire)
The Awards support students pursuing classical music pathways.

While study in classical music is preferred, First Nations students studying non-classical styles such as jazz, musical theatre or contemporary voice are encouraged to apply.

Not sure if you meet all the criteria? Apply anyway—we’d love to hear from you!

Key Dates

APPLICATIONS
Open from Monday 9 March to Friday 8 May 2026

ADJUDICATION
through May / June

ANNOUNCEMENT
NAIDOC Week (5 – 12 July 2026)
Personal Information
Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Date of Birth (DD-MM-YYYY)*

DayMonthYear
Email*
example@example.com
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

City / TownState / Territory

Post Code
State/Territory*
Please provide either a Mobile Phone number or a Landline Phone number.
Mobile Phone
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (0000) 000-000.
Landline Phone
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (00) 0000-0000.
Do you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander?*

YesNo
Education Information
School Name*
Year Level*
Music Elective (if applicable)
Instrument and/or Voice studied*
Years of Study*
Supporting Materials Checklist and Upload
Letter of Support from a respected Elder in your community (PDF, DOC)*

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Letter of Support from a teacher (school or private music teacher) (PDF, DOC)*

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Performance Video (around 3-5 minutes, continuous take) (MP4, MOV)*

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Statement of History
(choose one: upload a 500-word document or up to 4-minute video)

Share your journey with your instrument—why you chose it, how long you’ve been learning, ensembles you’ve played in, performances, competitions, exams, and what you love about it.
Statement of History – Written (PDF, DOC, max 500 words)

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Statement of History – Video (MP4, MOV, maxiumum up to 4 minutes)

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Study Plan / Statement of Aspiration
(choose one: upload a 500-word document or up to 4-minute video)

Tell us where you want to go with your music. What are your dreams? Who do you want to learn from? What do you want to perform? What ensembles do you hope to join? Dream big—we’re here to help you unlock all the is within in you, as a musician and performer who carries within the dreaming of generations.
Study Plan / Statement of Aspiration – Written (PDF, DOC, max 500 words)

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Study Plan / Statement of Aspiration – Video (MP4, MOV, max 4 minutes)

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Applicant Declaration
*

I declare that the information provided in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand and agree to the Terms & Conditions of the Australian Music Foundation First Nations Award.
Type your name again to confirm the submission.*

First NameLast Name
Applicant Signature
Date of Declaration (DD-MM-YYYY)*

DayMonthYear
Parent/Guardian Consent (if applicant is under 18)
I am the parent or legal guardian of the applicant and I give my consent for the applicant to apply for and, if successful, accept the Australian Music Foundation First Nations Award. I understand the award conditions and agree to support the applicant in meeting these requirements. I confirm the information provided is true and complete.
Parent/Guardian Name

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date (DD-MM-YYYY)

DayMonthYear
Should be Empty:

2026 Australian Music Foundation First Nations Awards

Personal Information

Education Information

Supporting Materials Checklist and Upload

Statement of History

Study Plan / Statement of Aspiration

Applicant Declaration

Parent/Guardian Consent (if applicant is under 18)