Australian Music Foundation
First Nations Awards

For more than 50 years, the Foundation has supported outstanding young Australian musicians as they undertake advanced study overseas and establish international careers. The introduction of the First Nations Awards marks an important expansion of this commitment — ensuring that access to classical music education and opportunity begins earlier and reaches more young musicians across Australia.

In 2026, we are proud to launch our inaugural First Nations Awards — a dedicated initiative supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students studying classical music in Australia. This programme reflects our commitment to broadening access, recognising talent and ensuring the next generation of musicians is supported with respect and opportunity.

Applications for our 2026 Australian Music Foundation (AMF) First Nations Awards are open from MONDAY 9 MARCH 2026 to FRIDAY 24 APRIL 2026.

CLICK TO APPLY
REGISTER FOR MAILING LIST

Key Dates

APPLICATIONS:
Open from Monday 9 March to Friday 24 April 2026

ADJUDICATION:
through April and May

ANNOUNCEMENT:
NAIDOC Week (5 – 12 July 2026)

Scholarship Benefits

The Awards are designed to help remove financial barriers and provide meaningful support through funding, mentorship and guidance. Created in collaboration with our First Nations Advisor Nina Korbe, this programme reflects our commitment to recognising talent, broadening access and supporting the next generation of classical musicians with respect and opportunity.

  • Award Value: $2,500 per student, per year

  • Use of Funds: Lessons, instrument costs, transport, competition fees, etc.

  • Additional Support: Mentorship and career guidance from the Australian Music Foundation and the Foundation’s First Nations Advisor; Proud Koa, Kuku Yalanji, Wakka Wakka woman, Nina Korbe

Requirements

  • 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.

Students studying non-classical styles such as jazz, musical theatre or contemporary voice are not eligible for this programme.

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

DOWNLOAD INFORMATION PDF

SAMPLE FORM ONLY – Australian Music Foundation First Nations Awards

This is a sample of the form and questions that will be available online during the published application period. The exact questions and requirements and subject to change.

The Australian Music Foundation (AMF) First Nations Award supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 10–12 studying classical music. This form should be completed by applicants and submitted with all required materials by the published deadline.

SECTION 1: Personal Information

Full Name:
Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY):
Address:
Email:
Phone Number:

Do you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander? YES / NO


SECTION 2: Education Information

School Name:
Year Level (10/11/12):
Music Elective (if applicable):
Instrument/Voice Studied:
Years of Study:

SECTION 3: Supporting Materials Checklist and Upload

Please upload the following:

[ ] Letter of Support from a respected Elder in your community

[ ] Letter of Support from a teacher (school or private music teacher)

[ ] Performance Video (5 minutes, continuous take)

[ ] Statement of History (500 words or up to 4-minute video)

[ ] Study Plan / Statement of Aspiration (500 words or up to 4-minute video)

SECTION 4: 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.

Signature:
Date:

SECTION 5: Parent/Guardian Consent (if applicant under 18)

I give my consent for my child to apply for and, if successful, accept the Australian Music Foundation First Nations Award. I understand the award conditions and agree to support my child in meeting these requirements.

Parent/Guardian Name:
Signature:
Date:

Terms & Conditions – Australian Music Foundation First Nations Awards

1. Introduction

The Australian Music Foundation (AMF) is committed to supporting excellence in classical music in Australia. The Australian Music Foundation First Nations Awards are created to provide financial and mentoring support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students studying classical music. By applying, applicants agree to the following Terms & Conditions.

2. Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

  • Be enrolled in Years 10–12 at an Australian high school.

  • Be actively studying a classical instrument or voice, either as part of a school elective or an extracurricular program.

  • Demonstrate commitment to their music studies and aspirations.

  • Applicants who are unsure if they meet all eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply

3. Award Details

  • Number of Awards: Two awards available annually.

  • Value: AUD $2,500 per student for one year. The student may apply again for the Award to be renewed in the following years as long as they still meet the eligibility requirements

  • Use of Funds: To be used for music-related expenses such as lessons, instrument costs, transport, competition fees, and related development opportunities.

  • Additional Support: Awardees will also receive mentorship and career guidance from Australian Music Foundation and Australian Music Foundation First Nations Advisor.

4. Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

  • Letter of Support from a respected Elder in their community.

  • Letter of Support from a teacher (school or private music teacher).

  • Performance Video – 5 minutes, one continuous take (phone recordings accepted).

  • Statement of History (500 words or up to 4-minute video).

  • Study Plan / Statement of Aspiration (500 words or up to 4-minute video).

5. Selection & Assessment

  • Applications will be assessed by an Australian Music Foundation panel, with input from the First Nations Advisor with another First Nations classical music expert.

  • Selection will be based on merit, commitment to music studies, and potential benefit from the award.

  • The panel's decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

6. Conditions of Award

Awardees must:

  • Use the funds solely for the purposes outlined in their application.

  • Provide one report per year, outlining how the funds were used and the progress made in their musical development.

  • Acknowledge the Australian Music Foundation in program notes, biographies, or other relevant materials during the award period and for at least three years afterwards.

  • Participate, where possible, in Australian Music Foundation promotional activities (media, interviews, performances) to share their journey and inspire others.

7. Payment

  • Award payments will be made in AUD to a nominated institution, organisation or teacher or their parent/guardian as agreed and at the discretion of the Australian Music Foundation panel.

  • Payments may be made in instalments, subject to receipt of required reports and continued eligibility and at the discretion of the Australian Music Foundation panel.

8. Duration & Re-application

  • The award runs for one year, subject to satisfactory progress.

  • Previous recipients may re-apply for a new First Nations Award if they are still eligible and are invited to check if they are eligible for other Australian Music Foundation award programmes.

9. Privacy & Data Handling

  • Applicant information will be collected, stored, and used in accordance with the Australian Music Foundation Privacy Policy.

  • Applicants may choose whether audition videos, photos, or materials can be used for promotional purposes. If consent is not given, these materials will be used only for assessment.

10. General Conditions

  • The Australian Music Foundation reserves the right to withhold an award if applications do not meet the required standard.

  • Terms & Conditions are subject to amendment by Australian Music Foundation to reflect changing circumstances.

  • By applying, applicants confirm they understand and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Data Privacy Policy

Please click on the link to view the Australian Musical Foundation Data Privacy Policy.