admin@nrcac.edu.au

Northern Rivers Conservatorium

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium is proud to launch its First Nations Music Program, led by Bundjalung artist Blake Rhodes.

This program creates opportunities for First Nations artists to develop their skills, share culture, and connect with community through music, storytelling, and creative practice.

About the Program

The First Nations Music Program provides a culturally grounded and supportive environment for learning and creative expression.

Led by an experienced artist and mentor, the program focuses on:

Music creation and production
Storytelling and cultural expression
Collaboration and performance
Pathways into the music industry

The program is open to First Nations artists of all experience levels.

Future Echoes

Youth Program (Ages 13–18)

Future Echoes is a dedicated program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to explore music in a safe and supportive space.

Participants will:

Write and develop original songs
Learn music production and recording
Build confidence in performance and expression
Connect with culture through storytelling

Future Echoes is designed to empower young mob to find their voice and grow creatively.

Masterclasses

Industry & Artist Development Sessions

Masterclasses bring in guest artists and industry professionals to share knowledge and real-world experience.

Sessions may include:

Artist development and identity
Live performance and stagecraft
Music industry pathways
Independent releasing and promotion

These sessions provide insight, inspiration, and direct access to experienced creatives.

Workshops

Creative Skill Development

A series of hands-on workshops covering:

Songwriting and lyricism
Beat-making and production
Recording techniques
Collaborative music-making

Workshops are practical, accessible, and focused on developing original work.

Program Vision

“Music is a powerful tool for connection and storytelling. I hope this program empowers and uplifts the next generation of First Nations musicians and creators, especially those from the Bundjalung Nation.” — Blake Rhodes

Join the program

Open to First Nations artists and young people across the Northern Rivers.

For more information:

firstnations@nrcac.edu.au

Enrol now

Enrol today and experience the fun, satisfaction, creativity and enjoyment that comes from learning a musical instrument.

Enrol now

Conditions of Enrolment

Enrolment

An enrolment becomes valid and lessons can commence upon confirmation of lesson placement by the Northern Rivers Conservatorium (NRC) Administration.
Enrolment is continuing for the whole calendar year until notice of withdrawal (see Student Withdrawal).
Term dates for Community Music are as published by the NSW Department of Education, with Music in Schools term dates advised by your participating school.
Music in School schedules of lessons are available online at our website and it is the responsibility of parents, carers, and students to ensure that they have the latest timetable.

Fees

A registration fee is payable once a year by every student enrolled.
An invoice for fees will be raised at the beginning of each term for all enrolled students.
Fees are on a term basis and payable within seven days of the date of invoice, unless NRC has agreed to a regular payment arrangement.
In the event of financial hardship, please contact the office to discuss payment plans and/or apply for fee assistance through our bursary programme.
Any student with outstanding fees from a previous term will be automatically withdrawn. Students may only re-enrol if accounts are paid in full or an approved payment schedule implemented; in this case it may not be possible to provide the student with the same lesson time, day or teacher.

Delivery of Lessons

Lessons begin and end promptly at the designated time.
It is the student’s responsibility to attend their lessons on time. For Music In Schools students, our families are asked to check the schedules prior to their child’s day and remind their child prior to leaving home.

Missed Lessons / Refunds

NRC must be informed of all absences, with 24 hours’ notice where possible, by phone (6621 2266), SMS (0448 026 211), or email admin@nrcac.edu.au
Credits or refunds are not given for missed lessons, unless due to tutor absence.

Make-up Lessons

Make-up lessons are only available to Community Music students, with a maximum of one make-up lesson per term.
Tutors can deliver make-up lessons only if they have available time and have received more than 24 hours’ notice of the absence.
In the event that a make-up lesson is not available, one of the following options may be chosen instead: one free attendance to one of the holiday make-up workshops offered each year that is equivalent to two hours’ music education activity, OR one free ticket to an NRC visiting artist’s concert/workshop event.

Change of Teacher

NRC reserves the right to supply a substitute tutor if the original tutor is unavailable.

Student Withdrawal

Two weeks’ notification is required for any withdrawal and must be given in writing to the NRC office.

Disclaimer

NRC reserves the right to review and implement changes to fees at any time.
Our tutors reserve the right to discontinue lessons where student behaviour is deemed inappropriate.