Sophie Edwards and Matt Barnes. Photo credit: Daniel Rathbone/ANU
Another ten unsuspecting, yet eager singer-songwriters recently completed the acclaimed Song To Studio program at the ANU Community Music Centre. Described by recording engineer and program coordinator, Matt Barnes, as the "extreme sport of songwriting", the 2026 Song To Studio cohort faced the ultimate songwriting endurance challenge head on, as many before have done.
The Song To Studio program has been running annually (sometimes biannually) at the ANU Community Music Centre since 2021. Though there are limited places available in this much sought out program (due to capacity in the studio), it never fails to warm the seats on level 6 of the School of Music building, where the studio and practice rooms are situated.
Song To Studio challenges participants to write and record an original song in just five weekly sessions held on Saturday afternoons. With four tutors on hand bringing expertise of the biz, songwriting, music production, and more, participants are able to soak up a wealth of industry knowledge and pump out an original track by the courses end. The Song To Studio line up of tutor expertise in 2026 included names such as Sophie Edwards, Beth Monzo, & Oakelani Edmonds.
A massive congrats to the 2026 cohort of Song To Studio, who 'David-ed' their proverbial 'Goliaths' through beautifully arranged frequencies! Check out some of their tracks and more on the Community Music Centre's Soundcloud.
The ANU Community Music Centre is the outreach programs for the ANU School of Music and is generously supported through grant funding from artsACT.