The MusicACT Mentorship is designed to strengthen creative partnerships and music industry education in Canberra. It is an opportunity for early/mid-level career artists and industry workers to further their networks, and gain personalised professional skill development.

How will the mentorship work?

The mentorship program will run over the course of two months, with a minimum of four (4) fortnightly one-hour sessions or equivalent as decided between the mentor and their chosen mentee.

Mentors will provide guided and practical advice tailored to their short and longterm goals to level up their careers. A scaffold will be provided by MusicACT, alongside other professional development resources and opportunities specially for mentees. Skill-focus will be around creative development and music business.

A short feedback report will be submitted at the conclusion of the mentorship by both the mentor and mentee.

The Mentors

  • Scarlett McKahey

    Canberra-based musician Scarlett McKahey currently plays lead guitar and write songs for prolific Australian icons Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, plus working at TBC Management looking after bands like The Chats and Cosmic Psychos, as well as managing local legends Sonic Reducer.

  • JP Orchison (Blanke)

    The Canberra born, Denver-based electronic music producer/DJ has had a steady stream of genre defying releases over the years that have taken him to venues and festivals such as Lollapalooza, Red Rocks Ampitheatre, Listen Out, Hordern Pavilion and many more. Blanke has collaborated with the likes of Illenium, REZZ and ATLiens, as well as done remixes for artists such as Marshmello and Sullivan King.

  • Kels Bagust

    Kels Bagust has over 10 years experience in running and managing music events. They’re responsible for establishing UC Refectory and UC Hub as a live music hotspot in the ACT between 2017 and 2021, as well as having worked as Contemporary Music Producer at Sydney Opera House.

    Currently, Kels manages night time economy programs for City of Sydney. They also sit on the MusicACT Committee and Canberra Theatre Centre Advisory Committee.

  • Harry Young

    Serving as A&R at Dew Process for over 10 years, Harry has worked with artists like Mallrat, Tkay Maidza, Spacey Jane, Tyne-James Organ and many many more. He’s currently living in Canberra and working as the Senior A&R Manager at thriving Aussie-based distribution platform GYROstream, and manages YNG Martyr.

How can I apply?

Open to any Canberra-based music industry professional or aspiring professional, aged 16+. Participants will apply via this application form, answering a few short questions and supplying resume/CV/recorded music (whichever is relevant).

The mentorship will be best suited to an applicant with a current major project being planned or in the works (i.e., an EP, a single, a show/tour, an ideal job position in the industry, an event), however all applications will be considered. Applicants will be selected by the mentors independently of MusicACT and considered based on:

  • Strength and viability of outcomes the participant hopes to achieve as a result of being mentored

  • Outline of how the participant believes the mentorship will benefit their career, and mentor’s own skillset

  • Current level of professional career and suitability to mentorship