15-year-old Matt Frost from Tamworth is the lucky winner of a brand-new Maton guitar, raffled to support sending an CMAA Academy of Country Music alumni to Nashville in September.
Matt’s mum, Cathy, purchased three raffle tickets, one of which proved to be the winner.
“I was at school when I found out, so I couldn’t really have that much of a reaction without people staring at me, but it feels great,” he said.
Matt, a keen guitarist with dreams of a musical future, plans to use his new Maton guitar to busk at the 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival. He also has his sights set on applying for The Academy’s Junior Course next July.
“This guitar is the best I’ve ever played.”
The Tamworth teen, who has been playing guitar for about three years, said the prized Maton would be a long-term member of his guitar collection.
However, country is not his only genre of choice, being a metal music fan, but naming Luke Combs and The Chicks as artists he enjoys.
CMAA Academy of Country Music General Manager Roger Corbett emphasised the importance of the raffle and the broader mission it supports.
“The money raised from this raffle will help send one of our talented alumni to Nashville, providing an invaluable opportunity to connect with the international country music scene,” he said.
“This reciprocal relationship, fostered through the Sister Cities arrangement, enriches both our local artists and those who come to us from Nashville.”
Artistic Director Lyn Bowtell echoed these sentiments, highlighting the cultural exchange’s benefits.
“Having this relationship with Nashville is incredibly valuable,” she said.
“It not only opens doors for our artists but also brings fresh perspectives to our Academy. This year, we were thrilled to host our first Nashville student, Anna Hamilton, who loved her time in Australia and the unique experience at our Academy. We look forward to welcoming another Nashville artist to our Senior Course in January.”
Roger and Lyn thanked Maton for their ongoing support, providing money for scholarships for many years and donating this beautiful guitar for The Academy to raffle.
The raffle’s success underscores the community’s support for the Academy’s initiatives, ensuring continued opportunities for aspiring country music artists. The Academy remains dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering connections between Tamworth and Nashville, further strengthening the global country music community.
Top image: Academy creative Director Lyn Bowtell, Maton guitar winner Matt Frost and Academy General Manager Roger Corbett at Tamworth’s Big Golden Guitar. (Bec Gracie)
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