We are pleased to introduce Gabi, one of 27 students selected for this year’s CMAA Academy of Country Music Junior Class. As a student at Snowy Mountains Grammar School (SMGS), Gabi has received strong support from her teachers and the school’s music and drama program, which has helped build her confidence and stage presence. Though new to the folk and country music scene, Gabi has already achieved a lot in 2024, starting with a scholarship at the Illawarra Folk Festival. Her passion for storytelling through song has earned her a place in this program, and we look forward to seeing her grow as she learns from mentors and prepares for the Hats Off to Country Festival.

What was your reaction when you found out you were selected as one of the 27 students for this year’s CMAA Academy of Country Music Junior Class? 

I was completely amazed, excited and humbled, because I am new to the folk and country genres this year. I was especially humbled by seeing the calibre of some of the other students and that I was even considered and selected. In comparison, most of the other students have been performing professionally for many years. 2024 has been a very fast track for me after I received my first scholarship at the Illawarra Folk Festival.  

Can you tell us about your path to singing and songwriting? What inspired you to pursue music? What are some of your most memorable moments so far? 

I began writing songs as part of school music but found a love for it. I played my first original song in public for the first time at the Illawarra Folk Festival as a Youth Traditions scholarship-holder in January. I found that I loved showing my music to the world and have really enjoyed all my performances. I want to write songs that make a difference and have a story, which is what has led me towards folk and country music. I also received a scholarship to a songwriters’ workshop in Merimbula which really helped me with song ideas and how to structure them. One of my most memorable moments is definitely my first performance of my first original song. I wrote it about my grandfather and the effect he had on my life, and to perform that for a few hundred people was so beautiful. Also, the friendships that music has given me—I would have never met some of my closest friends if it weren’t for music.  

What opportunities are you most excited about as you prepare for the singer-songwriter-performer course ahead of the Hats Off to Country Festival? 

I am excited to meet more people and learn. I have so much yet to learn and I am so excited to do so. There are so many amazing people who are going to be helping and teaching at the academy and also at the festival afterwards. I’ll be learning the structure of writing, what to put in and what to leave out of my own songs, as well as production and performance skills.  

How have your teachers or mentors helped you along your musical journey? Are there any specific teachers who have been especially influential? 

My teachers have supported me in every aspect of my music, from encouraging performances at assemblies and Cre8ive Sessions, to helping me catch up on work if needed. Mrs Sell and Mr Grace have been such strong mentors and taught me so much through talking about their own experiences and giving me tips, as well as leading by example. My singing teacher Jenni has been an amazing mentor and teacher, helping me to learn all about the human voice and how to use it. My mandolin teacher Col has been another amazing mentor and taught me so much about the mandolin in such a short timeframe.  

How has your experience at our school contributed to your passion for music and prepared you for this exciting opportunity with the CMAA Academy of Country Music? 

SMGS has an amazing music and drama faculty which has played a huge role in building my confidence and stage presence.  

What are your goals or dreams in music, and how do you hope this experience will contribute to your future as an artist? 

I want to keep writing and recording in the hope of making a difference. I don’t necessarily want fame and I won’t compromise my ideals and morals for fame and fortune. I just want to share my stories and experiences in the way I know best: through song. For example, the four songs on my EP talk about grief, trauma and appreciation for someone who means a lot to you, which I hope will resonate with other people.