In her own words, attending the CMAA Junior Academy of Country Music was always going to be enjoyable, however the amount of knowledge, learning, performing and just plain fun Jorja Dalton had was “immeasurable,” despite one major setback.
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“This experience has been amazing and while I anticipated I would enjoy my time at the Academy, I underestimated what I would gain from my involvement,” Jorja said.
Freshly returned, 14-year-old Jorja is now looking forward to the Gympie Muster Talent Search in August.
“I also now know that singing is a small part of performing and that being successful can be gauged in many ways.”
With special mentoring from David Carter, of Carter & Carter, she got to meet other industry super starts such as Liam Kennedy Clarke, Simon Johnson and Aleyce Simmonds, Allan Caswell
Her big surprise came on day four when the song writing opportunities for the day were announced.
“My name was called and rapidly followed by Travis Collins!
After only collaborating for just two hours, the pair wrote the song ‘GOLD’.
“The song is based on positivity in young girls and pushing them to follow their passion and find their way in the world.
“While I had written a rough draft of the chorus before Academy, Travis was able to give my song meaning.”
Despite coming down with laryngitis – every singers worst nightmare - Jorja managed to concur the calamity and take to the stage for the final performance.
As preparations were in full swing for the concert, Jorja saw her dream come to life with the help of two class mates.
“In less than 24 hours two of my class mates not only learned to play the original I was going to perform, they also learned how to sing it.
“That night I stepped up to present my song with a band for the first time, and through Sophie Volp and Cassi Marie my song was given life and tenacity.”
“I did sing but that night it was not about my voice, it was about courage, belonging and acceptance.”
But not only the young singer-songwriters, parents were also learning during the week., listening to industry professionals teach everything from production to recording, contracts to record labels, finances to business structures, managing to not managing.
Tania Dalton, Jorja’s mother, said the experience and knowledge gained provided invaluable industry experience – and would highly recommend any young musician, country or not, to think of taking part.
Jorja is now looking forward to performing on the Main Stage for the Gympie Muster talent search on August 25, followed by competing at Peak Hill in the Australian National Busking Championships in September, with rehearsals for School Spectacular in Sydney in October.
