The Music Teachers' Association of NSW, Newcastle Committee, presents the 2026 Newcastle Hunter Art Vocal Scholarship on August 30, 2026.

Open to Vocal students residing in the Newcastle, Hunter, Upper Hunter, Central Coast, Mid-North Coast or New England Regions of NSW, will be held at Adamstown Uniting Church.

1.00pm The Junior Scholarship is open to entrants 12 to 15 years, up to Grade 4 AMEB, or equivalent level. Age is determined at the time of the Scholarship performance.

• Performer Entry $20 
• Audience Child 12 and under: FREE
• Audience Student 13-18 years: $5 
• Audience Adult: $10 
• MTA teacher: FREE

3.00pm The Senior Scholarship is open to entrants aged 15 to 21 years, Grade 5 AMEB and above, or equivalent levels. Age is determined at the time of the Scholarship performance

• Performer Entry $25
• Same audience prices as above

For full Terms & Conditions visit Hunter Vocal Scholarship

Bookings for the Vocal Scholarship open on Friday 24 July and close on Friday 21 August. 

About the Adjudicator

Lucy Bailes is a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, where she completed a Master of Music Performance. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Music Performance from Griffith University, a Bachelor of Arts from Sydney University and an A.Mus.A in Classical Voice. An AMEB vocal examiner, university teacher, producer and director she enjoys a career in both performance and teaching.

She has performed all over the world including Westminster Abby, City Recital Hall (Angel Place), St Andrews Cathedral, the Barbican and the Juilliard School of Music as well as performing with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Her students have performed professionally throughout Australia including; Annie, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Tina, The Tina Turner Musical, La Boheme (OA), Carmen (OA), School of Rock, Pippin, Fun Home, The Sound of Music (OA), Nickelodeon Channel and ABC Kids. She combines her love of musical theatre with years of classical training to teach across genres and styles.