Every year, hundreds of hopefuls apply to take part in the CMAA Academy of Country Music’s exclusive two week intensive.

The students strum, sweat and songwrite with the best in the industry, culminating in a huge graduation concert on Tamworth Country Music Festival’s opening night.

“We’re looking for people who are ready to take on the industry and potentially have a career,” CMAA Academy general manager, and lovable member of The Bushwackers band said.

“To let them know about the potential pitfalls or where it can go really right, it takes years off their learning curve and hopefully saves them some heartache.”

Famous faces are a dime a dozen at the academy, with Adam Brand, Lyn Bowtell and Amber Lawrence just some of the big names who have shared their industry know-how.

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The Golden Guitars last year saw ex-academy students pull an incredible 13 awards between them.

But, it’s not always easy to pick who of the graduating class’ 27 students have what it takes, Mr Corbett said.

“I think you see drive, enthusiasm, how they light up when you talk to them – that’s what we’re really looking for,” he said.

“That energy is infectious and we like to see that, they’re the people who are really going to make it.

“It’s not necessarily how good you sing or write songs, it’s about that energy and drive to do something and sometimes the most unlikely people become superstars and the people you think are going to be great do something else.”

Baring their souls for two weeks, this year’s program had a huge focus on songwriting.

And, a number of those original songs will be shared with crowds at The Academy Live graduation concert.

Catch the showcase on Friday, January 18 at 4pm at Wests Tamworth.

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