Themusicnetwork.com
At a time when music education programs continue to shrink and industry entry points feel increasingly difficult to access, a new Australian initiative is attempting to build a different route into the business, one designed by and for young people.
The newly announced Next Up Music Awards (NUMAs), backed by the Australian Government’s Revive Live program, will combine a national awards platform with paid internships, mentorship opportunities and youth-led programming in an effort to create stronger connections between schools and the contemporary music industry.
Founded by music executive Milly Petriella, the project positions itself as more than an awards show. Instead, NUMAs is being framed as an ecosystem: one where aspiring artists, producers, songwriters and future industry workers can gain practical experience alongside public recognition.
Adding visibility to the launch are two of Australia’s biggest global stars, Sia and Troye Sivan, who have signed on as the initiative’s first industry patrons. The wider leadership team also reflects a multi-generational approach, with Mahalia Barnes stepping in as Artistic Director and DOBBY leading First Nations artistic direction, while youth representatives Ruby Rodgers and Myka Champion join as Youth Patrons.
Set to launch at Carriageworks in Sydney on January 28, 2027, the inaugural ceremony arrives during a period of growing concern over the long-term health of Australia’s creative pipeline. While talent development conversations often focus on artists already breaking through, NUMAs shifts attention further upstream, toward younger creators who may still be recording in bedrooms, school music rooms, or home studios.
The initiative’s structure reflects that broader mission. Alongside awards recognizing school-aged musicians aged 6–18, the program includes paid youth internships across event production and music industry roles, creating pathways for young people who see their futures behind mixing desks, in management offices, or producing live events.
Educators will also play a central role, with dedicated Music Teacher of the Year awards highlighting the often-overlooked infrastructure supporting young musicians.
About the Author
