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Do you want to know how to get a start in the music industry?
Then you need to be at master.class
master.class is hosted by John Foreman and features Wes Carr, Jessica Mauboy, Sony Music's Simon Moor, Roshani, Darren Coggan, Felicity Urquhart and more!
The team will provide informative and practical ideas on how they did it and what aspiring artists need to do to make a career in the music industry. Participate in an interactive discussion and Q&A with some of the key people in the Australian music industry.
Find out...
What mangers really want and how to get one - What labels are looking for - What the Idol experience is really like - Style do's and dont's- How you can get an industry look ,how you can get involved with the TDP - what options there are out there for you!
Wade through the unknown and how to take the next step to start you up!
After the master.class participants can enjoy the 2009 Graduation Concert this year featuring eleven students, who have made it through the demanding TDP program. Check out Start Me Up
Start Me Up and master.class gives you the chance to see tomorrow's stars fresh from Australia's leading fame school, perform live on stage plus the opportunity to learn from industry professionals.
So if you're serious about music and being in the music industry, then get to the Sydney Entertainment Centre for master.class and you get the best seats in the house as the master.class crew perform live with some of Australia's hottest new performing talent in the TDP Graduation Concert Start Me Up.
Sydney Entertainment Centre
Wednesday 26 August
Graduation Concert & master.class 4pm . 6pm $25.00
Graduation concert only 7pm $20.00 Adults │$15 Conc & students│$10 groups of 10 or more
Bookings: 1300 883 622 or www.ticketmaster.com.au
The Panel
John Foreman
John Foreman is Australia's musical guru, with more than seventeen years as musical director, record producer and television host.
Having been featured musical director of Australian Idol for six years, John is now instrumental in the discovery of top new Australian talent. John was a producer on the record-breaking debut album for Australian Idol Guy Sebastian, and in 2004 produced a studio album for Marcia Hines which achieve Gold status. He also produced Anthony Callea’s record breaking hit The Prayer which won an ARIA Award for Highest Selling Single. He also produced Ricki-Lee’s version of the Judy Garland hit Over The Rainbow for the finale of Channel Nine’s Celebrity Circus. He produced Carl Riseley's debut album, The Rise.
John is also the host of the SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR, (ABC-TV) a live television event from the Sydney Entertainment Centre, which has been described by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest variety show. John considers this one of the highlights of his annual calendar.
John released his first book, 'John Foreman - Your Guide To Unlocking The Australian Music Industry', in which he imparts his knowledge and experience, sharing his anecdotes and stories while offering practical advice and tips to aspiring entertainers.
John Foreman is Australia's musical guru, with more than seventeen years as musical director, record producer and television host. Having been featured musical director of Australian Idol for six years, John is now instrumental in the discovery of top new Australian talent. John was a producer on the record-breaking debut album for Australian Idol Guy Sebastian, and in 2004 produced a studio album for Marcia Hines which achieve Gold status. He also produced Anthony Callea’s record breaking hit The Prayer which won an ARIA Award for Highest Selling Single. He also produced Ricki-Lee’s version of the Judy Garland hit Over The Rainbow for the finale of Channel Nine’s Celebrity Circus. He produced Carl Riseley's debut album, The Rise.
John is also the host of the SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR, (ABC-TV) a live television event from the Sydney Entertainment Centre, which has been described by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest variety show. John considers this one of the highlights of his annual calendar.
John released his first book, 'John Foreman - Your Guide To Unlocking The Australian Music Industry', in which he imparts his knowledge and experience, sharing his anecdotes and stories while offering practical advice and tips to aspiring entertainers.
Wes Carr
Singer/songwriter Wes Carr can be described as many things. Overnight success, is not one of them. For most of his 26 years this talented artist has put the hard-graft, determination and commitment into his love of musicianship and creative expression. Over the years his hard slog has won him scholarships, peer-approval, acclaim, and competitions, but what drives his passion to continue is the truth in his music. It's this authenticity and musical integrity that will secure him a good place in the charts today, and is at the heart of the connection he has with audiences around Australia.
With his debut post-Idol single 'You' hitting the #1 spot on the Australian charts in late 2008 and reaching platinum sales, work began on Wes Carr's major-label debut album 'The Way the World Looks'.
With this album Wes will soon return to his roots, taking his performances to live audiences around the country. With his approachable demeanour, his love of music, and his sheer talent, audiences are guaranteed to hear Wes Carr's music played with the same personal touches and nuances that inspired his original song writing process.
Singer/songwriter Wes Carr can be described as many things. Overnight success, is not one of them. For most of his 26 years this talented artist has put the hard-graft, determination and commitment into his love of musicianship and creative expression. Over the years his hard slog has won him scholarships, peer-approval, acclaim, and competitions, but what drives his passion to continue is the truth in his music. It's this authenticity and musical integrity that will secure him a good place in the charts today, and is at the heart of the connection he has with audiences around Australia. With his debut post-Idol single 'You' hitting the #1 spot on the Australian charts in late 2008 and reaching platinum sales, work began on Wes Carr's major-label debut album 'The Way the World Looks'.
With this album Wes will soon return to his roots, taking his performances to live audiences around the country. With his approachable demeanour, his love of music, and his sheer talent, audiences are guaranteed to hear Wes Carr's music played with the same personal touches and nuances that inspired his original song writing process.
Jessica Mauboy
When today's hottest rapper is lost for words on hearing a new soulstress, she must be a future superstar. But it's an even bigger deal if that divette is Australian.
Flo Rida was stunned by Jessica Mauboy's RnB hit 'Running Back'. 'He couldn't believe it', Mauboy relates with a bashful laugh. 'He was just like, 'What! She's an Australian artist? Where is she? What is she doing? Is she bringing out an album?' He was basically asking all the questions. He was really keen to know'.
Signing to Sony BMG, Jessica Mauboy issued a commemorative CD/DVD of live performance's, 'The Journey', among them her sublime rendition of Christina Aguilera's 'Beautiful'. 'The Journey' shot into the Top 5 on the ARIA album charts, clocking up Gold sales. Jessica was then invited to join the supergroup Young Divas after Ricki-Lee Coulter's departure, providing the perfect transition into a solo career.
When today's hottest rapper is lost for words on hearing a new soulstress, she must be a future superstar. But it's an even bigger deal if that divette is Australian. Flo Rida was stunned by Jessica Mauboy's RnB hit 'Running Back'. 'He couldn't believe it', Mauboy relates with a bashful laugh. 'He was just like, 'What! She's an Australian artist? Where is she? What is she doing? Is she bringing out an album?' He was basically asking all the questions. He was really keen to know'.
Signing to Sony BMG, Jessica Mauboy issued a commemorative CD/DVD of live performance's, 'The Journey', among them her sublime rendition of Christina Aguilera's 'Beautiful'. 'The Journey' shot into the Top 5 on the ARIA album charts, clocking up Gold sales. Jessica was then invited to join the supergroup Young Divas after Ricki-Lee Coulter's departure, providing the perfect transition into a solo career.
Above all, Mauboy is versatile. Prior to Idol she won the 'Road To Tamworth' country music award. Jessica still has a soft spot for country & western queens Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline. She has visited Indonesia as a cultural ambassador with the Australian Government's In2Oz: Creative Australia program, and managed to fit in a special guest appearance on Indonesian Idol while she was there, performing to a TV audience of millions.
Felicity Urquhart
With numerous awards to her credit, including two Golden Guitars and three MO Awards, Felicity has been a leading light of the Australian music scene for the past decade, with numerous chart hits to her credit. She is widely regarded as one of the country's finest vocalists and songwriters.
Felicity has supported John Mellencamp, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson and the late Waylon Jennings, and recently toured Australia with international music icon Kenny Rogers. She has been busy songwriting with the some of Australia's leading writers over the past year, including James Blundell, James Reyne, Ross Wilson and Nick Barker.
Felicity's new album will be released in January, distributed by Shock.
With numerous awards to her credit, including two Golden Guitars and three MO Awards, Felicity has been a leading light of the Australian music scene for the past decade, with numerous chart hits to her credit. She is widely regarded as one of the country's finest vocalists and songwriters. Felicity has supported John Mellencamp, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson and the late Waylon Jennings, and recently toured Australia with international music icon Kenny Rogers. She has been busy songwriting with the some of Australia's leading writers over the past year, including James Blundell, James Reyne, Ross Wilson and Nick Barker.
Felicity's new album will be released in January, distributed by Shock.
Darren Coggan
In 1998, Darren was named "Young Citizen of the Year" in his beloved hometown of Wagga Wagga.
1999 saw Darren cast as "Richie Cunningham" in the World Premiere Arena Mega Musical “Happy Days” presented by Dainty Consolidated Entertainment, which toured Australia extensively.
In January 2001 Darren was awarded his first Golden Guitar at the Toyota Country Music Awards of Australia. This same year Darren hosted Foxtel’s top rating television show "Out & About - The Great Aussie Pub Tour" and made a guest appearance on the award winning Channel 7 drama "All Saints".
Darren was cast to play the dual role of "Teen Angel" and "Vince Fontaine" in "Grease - The Mega Musical" presented by SEL & Gordon Frost Organisation, which toured Australia in the "Big Top" throughout 2001-2002.
Darren followed this up with the national “Big Top” tour of "Shout - the musical of the Wild One", presented by Jacobsen Entertainment in which he played several roles including 'Col Joye'.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Darren was awarded the ‘Centenary Medal’ – ‘For Services to Australian Society’ in 2003. This same year, he released his second album, "Balancing Act", for which he was awarded ‘Australian Independent Male Vocalist of the Year’.
He made another two guest appearances on the award winning Channel 7 drama, “All Saints” in 2004/05 and understudied John Farnham as Teen Angel in “Grease - The Arena Spectacular”, presented by SEL & GFO.
In 2007 Darren performed the lead role of Cat Stevens to critical acclaim in the highly successful production ‘Moonshadows’ of which he co-created together with Peter Cox.
2008 saw Darren release his fourth album, ‘WAR STORIES’ – a moving salute to the ANZACS for which he was awarded his second Golden Guitar. He played the lead role in the world premiere production of John Williamson’s musical Quambatook and is currently starring in his new production “PEACE TRAIN – THE CAT STEVENS STORY”.
Dr Jonathon Welch AM In 1998, Darren was named "Young Citizen of the Year" in his beloved hometown of Wagga Wagga.1999 saw Darren cast as "Richie Cunningham" in the World Premiere Arena Mega Musical “Happy Days” presented by Dainty Consolidated Entertainment, which toured Australia extensively.
In January 2001 Darren was awarded his first Golden Guitar at the Toyota Country Music Awards of Australia. This same year Darren hosted Foxtel’s top rating television show "Out & About - The Great Aussie Pub Tour" and made a guest appearance on the award winning Channel 7 drama "All Saints".
Darren was cast to play the dual role of "Teen Angel" and "Vince Fontaine" in "Grease - The Mega Musical" presented by SEL & Gordon Frost Organisation, which toured Australia in the "Big Top" throughout 2001-2002.
Darren followed this up with the national “Big Top” tour of "Shout - the musical of the Wild One", presented by Jacobsen Entertainment in which he played several roles including 'Col Joye'.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Darren was awarded the ‘Centenary Medal’ – ‘For Services to Australian Society’ in 2003. This same year, he released his second album, "Balancing Act", for which he was awarded ‘Australian Independent Male Vocalist of the Year’.
He made another two guest appearances on the award winning Channel 7 drama, “All Saints” in 2004/05 and understudied John Farnham as Teen Angel in “Grease - The Arena Spectacular”, presented by SEL & GFO.
In 2007 Darren performed the lead role of Cat Stevens to critical acclaim in the highly successful production ‘Moonshadows’ of which he co-created together with Peter Cox.
2008 saw Darren release his fourth album, ‘WAR STORIES’ – a moving salute to the ANZACS for which he was awarded his second Golden Guitar. He played the lead role in the world premiere production of John Williamson’s musical Quambatook and is currently starring in his new production “PEACE TRAIN – THE CAT STEVENS STORY”.
Australian of the Year - Local Hero 2008
Founding Music Director
Choir of Hard Knocks, Choir of Hope and Inspiration, TheCho!r
Born and educated in Melbourne, Jonathon began his singing career with Victoria State Opera joining their first Australian tour of Pirates of Penzance in 1984 with Jon English, Simon Gallaher, June Bronhill, Marina Prior, Todd McKenny and David Hobson.
After completing a Post Graduate Degree in Music at Queensland Conservatorium of Music studying with Donald Smith the following years led Jonathon to win some of Australia’s most coveted performing scholarships, including the Young Artists Program with Opera of Queensland where he toured extensively throughout Queensland and understudied and performed many Principle Tenor roles including Madame Butterfly, Aida, Rigoletto, Barber of Seville, Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Pasquale, Orpheus in the Under World, Student Prince and The Gondoliers to name a few.
With some 60 stage roles to his credit, Jonathon has performed extensively in concert with Queensland Pops Orchestra and most of Australia’s State Symphony Orchestras (including Sydney Symphony, Melbourne Symphony, Queensland Symphony and Western Australia Symphony) as Tenor Soloist in many major Oratorio and concerts including the Messiah, Bernstien Mass, Berlioz Requiem, Lloyd Webber Requiem, Puccini Mass and Rossini’s Messa di Gloria, Rachmaninov’ s Vespers and performed the Australian premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass.
Other notable achievements include Jonathon leading some of Australia’s finest community choirs including the award-winning Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir to win the Australasian Choral Championships at the City of Sydney Eisteddfod; recording and conducting Mythologia for the Olympic Cultural Festival with Graeme Murphy’s Sydney Dance Company; and recording and performing with k d lang and Jimmy Sommerville to name a few amongst dozens of memorable performances.
Simon Moore - Sony Publishing
Simon Moor commenced his career in the music industry working for Mushroom Records as an A&R scout. This early training soon lead to a senior marketing role with Sony Music Australia, which after some years lead back to A&R where Simon signed artists including Sunk Loto, Frenzal Rhomb and Leah Haywood. In the role of A&R Manager Simon assisted in the making of albums for the aforementioned artists, liaised with Sony's international affiliates, traveling regularly to assist in setting up releases internationally. In this time several of the artists achieved Gold and Platinum albums.
After six years at Sony Music, Simon was head hunted by EMI/Virgin Australia to head the A&R department where he successfully brought to EMI such artists as Silverchair (via Eleven), Paul Mac (Eleven), The Sleepy Jackson, The Vines (via Engineroom) and Jet. Simon also worked with Paul Kelly on his platinum album, 'Nothing But A Dream' and Alex Lloyd on his triple platinum album 'Watching Angels Mend'. Again, much of Simon's time was spent overseas setting up releases through the EMI/Virgin affiliates which he successfully did for Alex Lloyd, Paul Kelly and The Sleepy Jackson in the UK, Europe and the US.
In late 2003 after 4 years at EMI/Virgin Australia, Simon accepted the position of Head Of A&R at Sony/ATV Music Publishing Australia. In this new role Simon was responsible for signing and/or working with artists including Angus And Julia Stone, Empire Of The Sun, The Hilltop Hoods, Daniel Johns, Delta Goodrem, Midnight Oil, Pete Murray, Little Birdy, Something For Kate, Brooke Fraser (NZ), Arcade Fire (US), Operator Please and The Midnight Juggernauts.
After six years at Sony Music, Simon was head hunted by EMI/Virgin Australia to head the A&R department where he successfully brought to EMI such artists as Silverchair (via Eleven), Paul Mac (Eleven), The Sleepy Jackson, The Vines (via Engineroom) and Jet. Simon also worked with Paul Kelly on his platinum album, 'Nothing But A Dream' and Alex Lloyd on his triple platinum album 'Watching Angels Mend'. Again, much of Simon's time was spent overseas setting up releases through the EMI/Virgin affiliates which he successfully did for Alex Lloyd, Paul Kelly and The Sleepy Jackson in the UK, Europe and the US.
In late 2003 after 4 years at EMI/Virgin Australia, Simon accepted the position of Head Of A&R at Sony/ATV Music Publishing Australia. In this new role Simon was responsible for signing and/or working with artists including Angus And Julia Stone, Empire Of The Sun, The Hilltop Hoods, Daniel Johns, Delta Goodrem, Midnight Oil, Pete Murray, Little Birdy, Something For Kate, Brooke Fraser (NZ), Arcade Fire (US), Operator Please and The Midnight Juggernauts.
Courtney Hard - Senior Manager, Artist and Repertoire - Sony Music
Courtney Hard, Senior Manager of A&R, came to Sony Music Australia four years ago. However, she has been following the Australian industry for some time and has worked with Sony for many years. Sony Music is by far the most creative and resourceful local and international record company with the most thriving local roster and impressive international rosters. Courtney's background and primary musical interests cover rock, alternative, singer/songwriter and country. She specializes in artist development. Courtney has an Arts degree from University of Georgia, Athens, and her work experience covers all parts of the industry in all parts of the world from Montreal, Barcelona, Atlanta, New York City, Los Angeles, and now Sydney.
Courtney looks after artist such as Augie March, Pete Murray, Kate Miller Heidke, Adam Harvey, and Cassette Kids to name a few.
Mary Lopez AM Founding Producer/Director and Director for 25 years of the Schools Spectacular
Mary Lopez has an enormous love and knowledge of Australia, of its peoples and its landscape. Her passion for her country has shone through almost 60 significant and spectacular productions that she has staged over her career.
Mary's flair for capturing the spirit of Australia through themed productions, huge-cast variety spectaculars and ceremonial events is legendary.
Mary is committed to helping young people be the best they can be. In 1984 she created the concept for the first Schools Spectacular, bringing together a dazzling range of young performers from New South Wales Public Schools. This massive pageant of performing arts, featuring more than 3,000 singers, dancers and musicians, was directed by Mary for 25 years. It is staged annually at Sydney Entertainment Centre and broadcast nationally on ABC TV.
Mary’s passion for promoting and nurturing talented young people led her to co-found the Talent Development Project. For 18 years she has been Artistic Director of this unique program that has produced such success stories as Human Nature, John Foreman, Paulini, Emma Pask, Angus and Julia Stone, music theatre stars Amanda Harrison and David Harris, and a host of award winning country music artists including Felicity Urquhart, Darren Coggan, Jedd Hughes and The McClymonts.
Mary was instrumental in creating the Bound for Broadway Scholarships, in conjunction with ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. For the past four years, this scholarship has enabled outstanding TDP graduates to attend music theatre workshops in New York conducted by some of Broadway’s leading names.
On Australia Day 1999 Mary was appointed a member of the Order of Australia in recognition of her contribution to the performing arts, and in particular the development of talented young Australian entertainers. In 2007 she received the Variety Humanitarian Award for her work with young performers, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. She was featured among Sydney’s 100 Top Movers and Shakers in the Sydney Morning Herald Sydney Magazine.
Milly Petriella
Milly is APRA|AMCOS's Deputy Director Member Services, a position she has held since January 2005. In addition to working at APRA|AMCOS for more than 14 years, Milly has been involved in the Australian music industry for more than two decades. Milly is currently the Deputy Chair of Music NSW and in May 2008 was elected to the board of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia and most recently elected to Forces Entertainment Board. Milly serves on a number of key music industry committees including Support Act Limited, Country Music Advisory Group Australia and VROOM (online venue guide). She has also been a consultant to the Talent Development Project since 2002. Prior to joining APRA|AMCOS Milly managed artists, booked live entertainment in Sydney venues. Milly is a keen supporter of Sydney’s urban music scene.
Milly is APRA|AMCOS's Deputy Director Member Services, a position she has held since January 2005. In addition to working at APRA|AMCOS for more than 14 years, Milly has been involved in the Australian music industry for more than two decades. Milly is currently the Deputy Chair of Music NSW and in May 2008 was elected to the board of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia and most recently elected to Forces Entertainment Board. Milly serves on a number of key music industry committees including Support Act Limited, Country Music Advisory Group Australia and VROOM (online venue guide). She has also been a consultant to the Talent Development Project since 2002. Prior to joining APRA|AMCOS Milly managed artists, booked live entertainment in Sydney venues. Milly is a keen supporter of Sydney’s urban music scene. | | | | |
