Yamaha Music Australia is proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural 2026 Yamaha Great Start Fellowship.

A new evolution of Yamaha’s Off To A Great Start initiative, the Great Start Fellowship has been designed to support the growth, development, and leadership potential of early-career instrumental music educators across Australia.

The Fellowship recognises educators who are already making a meaningful impact in their schools and communities, and who show the passion, promise, and commitment to help shape the future of music education.

After reviewing an exceptional field of applications from across the country, the selection panel selected three outstanding educators as the inaugural 2026 Yamaha Great Start Fellows:

Each Fellow will receive 12 months of mentoring from Yamaha’s leading clinicians and educators, a three-year ABODA membership, and a fully funded place on Yamaha’s 2026 Midwest Clinic tour to the United States.

Through mentoring, professional development, and international learning opportunities, the Fellowship is designed to help these educators grow their practice, strengthen their leadership, and expand their impact within their schools and communities.

Why We Do This

At Yamaha Music Australia, we believe quality music education starts with supported, inspired, and connected educators.

The Great Start Fellowship reflects Yamaha’s commitment to investing not only in programs, instruments, and resources, but in the people who lead music education every day.

By supporting early-career educators at a formative stage in their professional journey, Yamaha hopes to help strengthen the future of instrumental music education in Australia and contribute to meaningful musical opportunities for students across the country.

The Great Start Fellowship is part of Yamaha’s broader Off To A Great Start education outreach initiative, which continues to support music educators through clinician visits, professional development, teaching resources, advocacy tools, and music-making opportunities across Australia.

To learn more, visit greatstartyamaha.com