Melbourne Recital Centre reveals talented student cohort

Melbourne Recital Centre’s (MRC) 2024 Accelerando cohort has been revealed, with eight students from across Victoria selected to join the program and take their musical careers to new heights.

The renowned Accelerando program offers a comprehensive, year-long educational experience tailored to young musicians eager to refine their skills and carve a path in the music industry.

This unique opportunity allows students from Years 10, 11 and 12 to engage directly with some of Australia’s leading music professionals, attend world-class concerts and masterclasses, and utilise top-of-the-range technology, as well as a chance to perform at MRC’s Primrose Potter Salon.

This year, 50 per cent of the cohort are from regional Victoria, including Year 11 guitarist and singer-songwriter from Mildura, Courtney McMullan (pictured main).

“There aren’t too many opportunities in the music scene in Mildura, so I am extremely grateful to be a part of this program. Even though I will be flying to and from Melbourne on each weekend that I will be in Melbourne, I imagine I’ll get used to it quickly and the benefits the program offers make it worth every kilometre,” Courtney said.

“As a musician living in a rural area like Mildura, it comes with its ups and downs. Growing up I had diagnosed anxiety, this was definitely a setback when wanting to try new things, often having very physical reactions. But I’m proud that I’ve been able to overcome these challenges to continue to develop my sound and build a career as a recording artist.”

Gus Crannaford (pictured second) will also be joining the program, a Year 12 student and electric bass player from Cann River.

“I grew up in a musical family, but growing up where I did opportunities were limited – my school didn’t even have a single music teacher. I had to learn to make the most of what was on the table, including learning online and having a go at amazing opportunities like the Accelerando program,” Gus said.

It’s definitely paid off and I’m looking forward to being able to connect with prominent and inspiring musicians this year.

The free program is part of MRC’s broader commitment to supporting young musicians through its Learning, Access, and Community Engagement Programs which are all philanthropically funded.

“Many of this year's students hail from communities with limited access to musical opportunities, owing to constrained funding and remote locations,” MRC's learning and access coordinator, Belinda Ashe said.

“They are producing amazing work for their age, and it’s truly exciting that we can provide them with the opportunity to refine their skills further and prepare for a promising career in the industry.”