Indie-folk artist Aodhan is the 2023 the recipient of the fully-paid scholarship for the CUA60520 Advanced Diploma of Music at Abbey Road Institute Australia.
The opportunity is made possible through a partnership of NATSIMO, Abbey Road Institute Australia and Studios 301.
"I’m an artist, a songwriter and I hope to become a better producer throughout this course," said Aodhan.
Dharawal artist and songwriter Aodhan, will be adding 'producer' to his list of creative roles in 2023. The 18-year-old from Wollongong, whose real name is Aidan Whitehall, is the recipient of a fully-paid scholarship for the one-year CUA60520 Advanced Diploma of Music course at Abbey Road Institute Australia.
The scholarship is provided through partnership of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO), Abbey Road Institute Australia and Studios 301, with studies commencing this month.
Designed by industry for industry, the Advanced Diploma of Music Industry course aims to build a music professional’s capability in music production or sound engineering so they can take their career to the next level.
For Aodhan, who was selected through an application process, it's the right time to further develop his production skills as his career reaches new levels, including touring through the UK in 2022.
"What I’m hoping to get out of this incredible opportunity is to make special connections and further my knowledge about the industry and hone my own craft...and really just growing," said Aodhan.
"I’m an artist, a songwriter and I hope to become a better producer throughout this course."
The winner of the triple j Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative for 2019 -- which included a SongMakers session at his school with Josh Pyke -- Aodhan's indie-folk sound has connected with fans through his 5m+ streaming single 'Butterflies' and EP 'Flies in the Room', featuring the singles 'Twelve Again' and 'I'm Closed'. He signed with UK music publisher Communion, joining a roster that includes Bears Den and Catfish & The Bottlemen.
"Aidan is a gifted and multi-faceted artist who’s writing and performing continues to be on the rise. This opportunity in partnership with Abbey Road Institute Australia and Studios 301 is one we value to raise the visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music creators in the industry. We are proud of Aidan and look forward to seeing the continued growth as a producer and music creator," said NATSIMO Manager Jacob Ridgeway.
The package is valued at a total of $30,000, which includes a $25,000 scholarship from Abbey Road Institute Australia and a $5,000 study bursary from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office and APRA AMCOS.
The inaugural scholarship recipient Blake Rhodes, who performs as Mr Rhodes, is a busy artist/producer/composer, workshop mentor for SongMakers and live performer.
The program is an introduction to the recording industry's global network, with the participant learning from experts, including guest lecturers and multi-award-winning professionals, and getting hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and studios. Through access to broad networks consisting of sound engineers, music producers, artists and music business professionals, the program participant will gain insights into the breadth of the recording industry and use this to develop their personal career path.
Regular recording sessions will be facilitated in Studios 301 to ensure the participant has access to some of the best recording facilities in the world.
On completion, Aodhan will graduate with CUA60520 Advanced Diploma of Music, which is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Aodhan on new opportunities
Aodhan - Catch Up
Aodhan - Butterflies