Amber Kenny reflects on what The Academy has taught her about the music industry

The singer-songwriter from Robertson participated in the music-intensive course from January 3 to 13, which is held by The Academy of Country Music in Tamworth.

The program supports independent and emerging artists and performers.

"I'm seriously pinching myself that I went, it was so amazing and what we learned," she said.

Students had the opportunity to attend classes about the "nuts and bolts" of the industry such as copyright, industry insights and creating music videos on a budget, from a variety of experts.

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Each artist also had the opportunity co-write songs and network with others, as well as practice and perform together daily.

"What I love the most is the connections I made, I've made lifetime connections and I'm so grateful for that," she said.

"It was such a beautiful headspace where everyone wanted to learn."

For Amber, one of the biggest takeaways was when award-winning country singer Kasey Chambers came along to hear everyone sing.

She said the singer told everyone it was important for them to make music that was true to them, acknowledge one's strengths and weaknesses and to surround themselves with good people.

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Each student then performed at a sold-out graduation concert at the Moonshiners Bar and held a free concert for the opening of Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival.

"It was an amazing opportunity," she said.

Once she graduated from the course, Amber performed at six gigs in the country music town outside of the festival.

Another highlight for the artist was going through the music-industry-intensive with Moss Vale singer-songwriter Jo Caseley, who she calls her "lucky star".

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"We just encourage each other and that's what it's all about," she said.

"Our friendship is pretty special and I couldn't have done it without her."

The pair are coming together at The Venue on February 11, in a concert in the Songwriters and Stories series called Write like a Girl.

The performance starts at 6.30pm, tickets are $25 each and can be bought via Trybooking.

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