Getting into the groove with SmArts

With your support, young musicians in the Northern Territory participated in our out-of-school SmArts program, which connects creative students with arts organisations and experts in the field. Our SmArts Dry Season Music Camp gave students from Top End communities an exciting chance to connect with music professionals and other young music lovers in Darwin. Students experienced a wider world of music and explored possible career pathways they may not have been exposed to before.

It was loud, fun, and full of inspiration. Students connected over shared interests and found their rhythm with musicians and educators from Sydney and Central Queensland University.

“It’s a nice environment you want to grow in,” says one of the attendees. “Having people who have the same and similar goals as you, they really push you. People who have a greater technique or ability to you, you see them as inspiration not a rival.”

Thanks to your generosity, budding musicians could gain valuable hands-on experience. They talked with experts and opened their minds to the possibilities of further education in music and music careers. The students were in their element, jamming, talking about their interests and exploring sounds together.

Students also got the chance to delve into something that really interests them through specialised electives. It was a way to personally connect with professional mentors, like singer-songwriter Bella Marie. She described her special experience with Australian Idol, the Voice and X-Factor.

Having precious time with music professionals was exciting for the students. Participating in the SmArts Dry Season Music camp showed them options about a pathway they might take in the future.

“That means the students can hear about what they can do, maybe open some doors for them,” says Peter.

“Even from a young age they can start thinking, maybe music’s what I want to do, and then they can start to consider, well how do I go about that? Being able to provide this expertise to them is a bonus.”

At the grand finale, students took part in a final concert which packed out Charles Darwin University's theatre. One student reported, “I enjoy how I get to express myself in front of the others.”

When asked if they’d change anything about the program, one student summed up their experience with, “no, it’s perfect”. Others agreed – nothing should change.

All students should have an equal chance to choose their own futures. Thanks to your support, programs like SmArts helps give these students have the same opportunities to follow their dreams as their peers. They’ve broadened their views of musical education and careers – and had so much fun with friends. Having access to educational opportunities in music, and connecting with each other and teachers, is something they’ll take well into their future.