The Talent Development Project is offering unique industry experience to some of AIM’s finest students. Several AIM students are taking part in the Talent Development Project (TDP) and benefitting from the unique industry experience offered by the program. The TDP is an independently run organisation aimed at developing the talents and careers of young Australian performers and songwriters by providing unique entertainment industry experience. Students get involved by being nominated to audition and submitting a nomination form signed and supported by the School Principal and Contact Teacher.
Chris Rose, who studied in AIM's Bachelor of Music, majoring in Contemporary Performance, is one of the students currently involved with the project. “The TDP involves going into workshops every month for two days at the Entertainment Centre. We meet with consultants from all areas of the music Industry including A&R people from labels, artists, lawyers and managers. Some of the consultants we had last year included Alex Lloyd, Braddon Williams (Producer and Sound Engineer from Sony music); Ivie Davies from Ice house, and Angry Anderson.” Other AIM students also involved include Nathan Allgood and Angel Tupai.
The TDP Core Program is offered FREE to NSW Public School students in years 10, 11 and 12. The program is divided into three phases, each lasting three months. Auditions are held at the end of phases one and two and TDP consultants help determine who will continue. The Graduation Showcase is held at the end of the final phase.
At this year’s Graduation Showcase, which was held at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Chris performed one of his original songs, “Nowhere Land”. “I also did backing vocals for other items and had a solo part in the graduation finale, “Don’t Stop Me Now”, by Queen.” A shortened version of the graduation concert was performed at the Campbelltown Catholic club, which Chris says was a lot of fun. There were around 600 people and the event was hosted by Alan Jones.
There will also be a special evening with the 2011 TDP Contemporary Graduates on Tuesday, September 13 at Notes in Newtown.
“For us Graduates, the last couple of months have been quite full on - lots of rehearsals in different locations with different people,” says Chris.
“Every year, singer songwriters involved with the TDP go to Sony to record one song using the latest hi-tech equipment.” This year was the first year the TDP released an album. Entitled, “Young Scribes”, the album is available on iTunes.
The Talent Development Project aims to:
• Identify talented senior students within the Department of Education and Training who are sufficiently advanced, and who show a real interest in making popular entertainment a career
• Develop performing, creative, musical and entertainment skills
• Provide opportunities for rehearsal and expert feedback on performances
• Create situations in which students can rehearse and perform ensemble and solo shows and participate in selected public performances
• Assess the development of learners’ performing and creative skills progressively and in a final graduation performance
• Provide up-to-date career advice and information, with guidelines for developing personal career development plans
On completion, students leave the TDP with a clear understanding of their way forward within the entertainment industry. They also have the ability to establish their own network of contacts in the entertainment industry; perform successfully in public and pursue performance opportunities; compose original songs; work with others in the industry to further develop their skills; and market and promote themselves.
To be involved in the TDP you have to be in the Public School system. Chris entered the program when he was in year 12 after auditioning and being asked to enter. There are three phases in the core program and it starts with around 30 students and ends with a graduating class of about 10. “This is very much a performance program,” says Chris. “And performers do not graduate until the TDP believes they are ready to enter the industry.”
For more information and to book tickets go to: http://www.talentdevelopmentproject.org.au
Article by Natalie Raad
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