The First Nations Band Enabling and Training Sound-Lab (FN BEATS) is a new initiative supporting young First Nations emerging musicians and music industry enthusiasts (aged 18–30) from across NSW, specifically regional. If you make music solo, are part of a band, or are interested in other areas of the music industry and would like to make it your career, we want to hear from you!
FN BEATS offers participants a chance to join a six-month (Nov 2026-April 2027) online music industry training and mentorship program, plus an intensive in-person sound lab at the Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre in Deniliquin. The mentoring intensive will culminate in a program showcase.
This is an exciting opportunity to get hands-on experience led by amazing industry professionals and artists. It will build on and expand your skills in song-making and performance, as well as other crucial skills like marketing, event management, and stage production. You’re invited to connect with professionals and peers – who also live for making a more musical world – in an exciting environment that will build community and careers.
There are three training streams:
1. Core Music and Performance Skills: instrument proficiency, songwriting, stage presence, collaboration, live sound basics.
2. Behind-the-Scenes Technical Training: live sound engineering, lighting, stage management, recording & production.
3. Business and Industry Knowledge: booking gigs, touring, marketing & promotion, publishing, rights, merchandise, fundraising, event management.
EOIs close November 30. For more information or to apply, click here.