Academy of Country Music was created in July 2009 by the Country Music Association of Australia and the Directors of the Camerata School of Country Music. The CMAA Australian Academy of Country Music incorporates the production and management of the two residential schools of the CMAA Australian College of Country Music and the Camerata School of Country Music.

The Australian Academy of Country Music provides an innovative residential program that offers Australia’s and New Zealands talented and promising emerging country artists and specialist musicians the opportunity to broaden their horizons and skill levels via close interaction with industry's leading specialists.

The CMAA Australian College of Country Music increases the professionalism and the skills of emerging country music artists and musicians. This is achieved through the delivery of an intensive residential environment that is tailored to the meet needs of the individual students, with a heavy emphasis given to encouraging creativity.

Whilst the program concentrates on the country music genre and encourages the tuition of traditional country music instruments such as dobro, mandolin, lap steel, pedal steel and banjo, the Academy recognises and encourages students to expand into areas of new country and crossover styles of music that will be attractive to new and expanding audience bases.

The Academy is unique. No other program of this nature exists for the music industry in Australia, or in fact worldwide. The course has run since 1997 helping young, up-and-coming country music artists progress their professional careers.

The Academy utilises the skills and resources of leading mentors, songwriters, musicians, producers and music business personnel.

Many leading artists and industry leaders also make appearances during panel discussions and informal get-togethers. Over the past years, these have included Mick Albeck, Audrey Auld, Adam Brand, Kasey Chambers, Nash Chambers, Andrew Clermont, Troy Cassar-Daley, Greg Champion, Jeff Chandler, Kim Cheshire, Rod Coe, Beccy Cole, Hugh Curtis, Tim Daley, Shanley Del, Joan Douglas, Slim Dusty, John Elliott, Nick Erby, Doug Gallacher, Meryl Gross, Jim Haynes, Ted Howard, Gina Jeffreys, Glenn Jones, John Kane, Fiona Kernaghan, Herm Kovac, Rod McCormack, Sam McNally, Phil Matthews, Joy McKean, Lawrie Minson, Eloise Nolan, Chris O'Hearn, Garth Porter, Rob Potts, Mike Smith, Garry Steel, Kedron Taylor, Graham Thompson and John Williamson.

The CMAA Australian Academy of Country Music – College is an on-campus, residential course held in Tamworth, NSW commencing 26th June, 2010 and concluding 10th July, 2010.

Position descriptions can be downloaded by clicking here.

All country music artists have to start somewhere, and most often that's amongst family, friends or their local community. The best country music isn't necessarily found in the world of the existing popular or famous stars, but often in the small clubs, venues and organisations that provide country performers of any "level" the chance to share their music. That's the true nature of country music, it comes from the heart and real lives of real people.

Giving all artists the opportunity to air their music to a wider audience is an important aim of Country Music Broadcasting. CMB is keen to hear from show presenters, artists and country music organisations to see what assistance, support, promotion and broadcast opportunities CMB can help provide. Remember everyone has a beginning, and this offer via CMB to be heard on-air is an excellent chance to achieve exposure. So don't hesitate to contact CMB with your ideas and suggestions or to let CMB Radio know about any existing country radio shows you believe could benefit from the backing or support of CMB.