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From ABC Classic presenters Megan Burslem and Alice Keith to award-winning editors Stephanie Eslake and Katarina Kroslakova, the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Media and Communication (MAC) program has helped launch the careers of some of Australia’s most celebrated classical music commentators.
Formerly known as Words About Music, the MAC program immerses participants into the world of online, radio, and print media. Offering a rare opportunity to nurture the next generation of music communicators – the program gives participants the tools to articulate the power of music in ways that resonate far beyond the concert hall.
This year at National Music Camp in Adelaide, the program was led by ABC Classic presenter Ed Le Brocq. “The program is a gateway into the music profession in many ways. So for a lot of these musicians they will play, but also they will need to write about music – they’ll need to write program notes and introductions. They’ll need to learn how to take an interview as well as give an interview. They’ll need to write profiles about contemporary composers who they are playing.”
Why Apply? A passion for music beyond performance
For many participants, the decision to apply stemmed from a desire to explore the broader ecosystem of classical music – beyond the stage. Cellist Elena Wittkuhn, one of the 2025 Media and Communication Fellows (pictured below in the ABC studios) shared:
“I’d always been interested in how we can communicate about music – how we talk about it and write about it. These things can have such an impact in bringing in new audiences and helping existing ones, and even musicians themselves, to have a deeper appreciation for the art they’re creating.”
French horn player Milly McAuliffe applied to strengthen skills she felt uncertain about in her work as a freelancing musician. “I hoped participating in the course would improve the promotional material and programs I’d been writing for music organisations. I also knew I had a lot of room to grow in marketing – I used to always forget to tell people about the concerts I was playing in!”
Violinist Julia Hill was inspired by Ed Le Brocq’s career path and writing. “Having read Ed’s books, I knew I needed to take the opportunity to work with a musician who has had a diverse career path from orchestral performance to radio broadcasting. And what a brilliant mentor he is! Ed is the best!”
Sophia Mackson, who had previously attended camp as a violist, was curious about the other sides of the classical music world. “I had a keen interest in looking at other areas of classical music, not just performing. As musicians, we need to have a portfolio career, and that’s important to having a lively and fulfilling career.”
On the ground: learning by doing
The MAC program is hands-on and fast-paced, offering participants real-world experience in music journalism and media production. Elena described the immersive nature of the training.
“You’ll get on-the-ground training in journalism – whether that’s writing program notes or concert reviews. You’ll also learn how to conduct live interviews, whether on stage or on live radio broadcasts. And doing all this surrounded by like-minded and excited musicians is really cool.”
Julia particularly enjoyed the research and presentation aspects: “We collected information by searching online and observing rehearsals, where we could eavesdrop on the tutors’ diamonds of wisdom. Presenting this research as an introduction to the pieces was a special experience. We were given the role of introducing the audience to a new world they would soon experience musically.”
Milly found the writing challenges both rewarding and transformative. “The context and intentions behind classical pieces are fascinating. Sharing these insights empowers audiences to meaningfully engage in live performances. It’s an interesting challenge to decide which pieces of information will best shape the experience of listeners.”
Outcomes: confidence, career growth, and new horizons
The MAC program has a tangible impact on participants’ confidence and career trajectories. Milly noted how quickly her writing improved: “Within an hour of the first day, I became much more willing to cull unnecessary words and learned to write with efficiency. The program developed my organisational skills too, with multiple assignments handed to us at once. I gained a lot of confidence and now feel much more comfortable pitching ideas, interviewing artists, and trusting my work.”
Since completing the program, Milly has seen direct professional outcomes. “I’ve interviewed Emily Sun for an article published in Stringendo, undertaken paid programming writing for AYO, and am currently in the running for a music producer internship. I’ve also participated in Resonate interview sessions with leading arts professionals such as Deborah Cheetham-Fraillon and Megan Burslem.”
Julia continued her MAC fellowship during the 2025 AYO International Tour, serving as the resident blog writer and presenting the Acknowledgement of Country at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. “I didn’t expect to love speaking on the radio so much! I’d definitely be interested in looking into being a radio host as a career option.”
Advice for future applicants
Each participant had words of encouragement for those considering applying.
“You should absolutely apply, even if you’re also applying to participate as an orchestral musician,” said Milly. “You could either get the brilliant opportunity to be a Media and Communication participant, have the time of your life playing at National Music Camp, or at least get some interview practice with the loveliest interviewers ever—the AYO team!”
Julia added. “If you’re worried that your writing skills have dwindled since high school because you’ve been in a practice room 24/7, don’t worry. Media and Communication is so much more than writing – you’ll learn how to invite audiences into the music world in an accessible way.”
Sophia encouraged applicants to take creative risks: “I really enjoyed putting together my application. I encourage you all to take a risk with the things you add to your portfolio. If it pays off, it will be well worth your while.”
Applications for AYO’s non-orchestral programs close on 27 August.
For more information on the program and how to apply, click HERE