Launch Of 'Next Up Music Awards' To Represent School-Aged Music Creators & Their Teachers

Sia

A new kind of music awards is launching, and it’s set to honour the next generation of music creators—and their teachers.

That’s exactly what’s been announced today. The launch of the Next Up Music Awards (NUMAs) and paid Youth Intern Program will spotlight school-aged Australian music creators alongside their teachers for a touching new initiative.

Respected Australian music industry executive Milly Petriella OAM has founded the initiative, a youth-led celebration of up-and-coming talent in schools nationwide. Meanwhile, the student internships have been designed to strengthen pathways connecting young people to the music industry.

Industry patrons supporting the initiative include Sia and Troye Sivan, and they’re not the only heavy hitters showing support for the NUMAs.

Mahalia Barnes has been announced as Artistic Director, while DOBBY has been named the First Nations Artistic Director. Additionally, Ruby Rodgers and Myka Champion have been appointed as the inaugural Youth Patrons.

In a statement, Milly Petriella OAM said of the initiative, “NUMAs is not just an awards program. At a time when so much of our young people’s lives are shaped online, we want this to be a real-world space for creativity, connection and live expression.

“Through paid internships, mentorship and hands-on involvement in the event, we're helping young people build skills, confidence and community, whether they see their future on stage, in the studio or behind the scenes.”

The inaugural award ceremony is supported by the Australian Government’s Revive Live initiative.  

Sydney’s Carriageworks will host the first-ever NUMAs on Thursday, 28 January 2027. In response to the declining access to music education in schools, the awards will provide a national stage for school-aged performers, with paid youth roles making the show possible behind the scenes.

Music Australia will also shine the spotlight on today’s educators, presenting the Music Teacher of the Year awards across primary and secondary school categories. Along with Music Australia and Carriageworks, The Song Room is another partner of the NUMAs, with more to be announced soon.

Nominations and intern applications will be open to teachers, as well as students aged between 6 and 18 years old. Nominations open next month via the Next Up Music Awards website.