For the next week, Tamworth plays host to the Junior Academy of Country Music.

The 14-year-old Ms Maguire comes to the prestigious junior academy already armed with her own song, featuring a chorus in Tamworth's Indigenous language, Gomeroi.

It's no wonder she was the winner of the 2021 Laura Byrnes Music Scholarship.

READ MORE:

Ms Maguire's musical inspiration, Jessica Mauboy, went through the junior academy before kicking off her extraordinary career.

Director Lyn Bowtell said the week-long event was cancelled last year due to coronavirus.

Even in 2021, it has shrunk drastically, with just 12 participants from across the country, down from an ordinary 24.

She said the best part of the week was watching friendships and love of music build among the participants.

"The best part is that they're not as yet affected by being older. Less concerned about appearances, or being cool, they just want to play music," she said.

"That creeps in of course, but generally speaking when they're a bit younger they're less self-absorbed as we naturally all are.

"By the time they hit 17, 18, 19 it gets a bit messy. They're really keen to take it all in."

Ms Maguire said it would be a good day when singing in Gomeroi became more common.

"It would be good for Aboriginal people because it keeps their language alive," she said.

The junior academy is set to run until July 3 at Calrossy Anglican School.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: