17 December 2025
From AYO to ABC: Media and Communication fellows share valuable insights
From landing producing gigs at ABC Classic to securing arts administration roles with leading organisations including Musica Viva, the 2025 AYO Media and Communication fellows reflect on how the program has helped them gain practical experience in the arts and cultural sector – and more.
The Media and Communication (MAC) course introduces participants to the core skills needed to share classical music with diverse contemporary audiences. Through hands-on experience gained at National Music Camp and throughout the year in print and online publishing, public presentation, and content creation across audio, video, and social media, participants gain practical experience relevant to a wide range of career pathways in the classical music industry.
In January five MAC participants (pictured below l-r: Tirion Luff-White, Julia Hill, Milly McAuliffe, Elena Wittkuhn and Sophia Mackson) joined 2025 MAC tutor and Classic FM presenter, Ed le Brocq at National Music Camp for the intensive two-week program.
As well as writing online blogs, program notes and magazine articles, the participants created social media content, conducted live interviews and presented pre-concert talks. Throughout the year the MAC participants were mentored and encouraged to write magazine articles, listening notes and interview leading musicians with work published in Stringendo, AYO’s Newsbeat and more.
“Since AYO National Music Camp, I have been grateful to have professional opportunities including backfilling at ABC Classic as a live music producer, writing an article for Stringendo, and writing program notes for AYO,” said Melbourne-based Milly who together with Tirion has secured regular producing shifts with ABC Classic in Melbourne.
“The opportunity to meet and hear from industry professionals has been extremely interesting and offered valuable insight into different sectors of the classical music industry.”
Milly McAuliffe
All participants said they enjoyed the industry insights, receiving feedback on writing, networking and gaining an understanding of their abilities.
Brisbane-based Sophia has been volunteering for Muses Trio and is now working as a social media administrator for Topology. She also was able to visit Ed le Brocq in the Brisbane ABC Classic studio and said the course has allowed her to “find her voice”.
“The Media and Communication fellowship has been such a highlight of my year. It has expanded my view of music, and I feel that I have so many more skills up my sleeve. I have loved being able to write more with the support of the AYO team.”
Sophia Mackson
She said a highlight was meeting the other MACers and Ed le Brocq at National Music Camp in Adelaide. “I loved being able to come to a team of friends for two weeks and have so much fun. Also, working with Ed was amazing; he is such a knowledgeable and generous person. All in all, it was a wonderful experience, and I would recommend it to anyone.”
Sophia’s review on the AYO Summer Season ‘Striking and Beautiful’ concert with Emily Sun was reproduced across other arts organisation websites and news sites and she also had an article published in Stringendo as well as reviewing the AYO Momentum Leaders UNTOLD production in Sydney. “These are things that I wouldn’t imagine I’d ever be able to do! The AYO Momentum Leaders was such a pivotal performance for AYO, especially seeing the cross-collaboration between different art forms. I am so grateful to AYO for having me be a part of the Media and Communication cohort this year. It is an experience I will take with me for the rest of my career.”
Tokyo-based Julia Hill said the MAC program has been pivotal in expanding her understanding of the music industry. “Previously, I had been primarily engaged in performance, and the MAC program enabled me to expand my industry skillset to include writing and live presentation on both the concert stage and on the radio,” said Julia, who has had her writing published in official program notes as well as Stringendo magazine.
“I was also given the opportunity to host an interview on live radio on ABC classic. The culmination of all these experiences has made me a more confident musician.”
Julia Hill
She said aside from the positive outcomes arising from the MAC program she has also made deep friendships with fellow program participants. “I’m sure we will continue to work together throughout our careers. With this, I know that as I continue my career in music, I will be supported by these friendships fostered in AYO.”
Perth-based Elena (pictured above interviewing 2025 NMC Chamber Orchestra Director, Andrew Haveron) said being able to keep in touch with the other MAC fellows via Zoom and regular meetings was valuable. She said the course also helped increase her confidence and she has now taken on a fundraising role with her chamber ensemble, Mirabilis Collective, “something I don’t think I would have felt confident doing before”. Elena was also recently appointed WA Admin Coordinator for Musica Viva Australia.
In January AYO welcomes the 2026 cohort of MAC participants who will be mentored by MAC tutor – composer, educator and former ABC Classic program producer Andrew Aronowicz – at National Music Camp.