What a year it has been! 2024 is one we will remember for its many achievements, excitement for the future, and yes its share of challenges. But we’ve made it though, and now it’s time for a well deserved break!
At AIM, we’ve had the privilege of sharing in the incredible successes of our students and alumni. Among the highlights were several of our talented Music Theatre AIMers being cast in major musicals across Australia. Several alumni all landed starring roles in Grease the Musical- Australia! And even while studying at AIM, Eliza Soriano joined the ensemble of Hadestown. “This all feels very surreal if I’m being honest” Eliza shared. “For these auditions, I had to learn five songs and two dances in less that three days, and had it not been for my training at AIM, I don’t think I would have been able to produce this at an industry standard.”
Throughout the year, we also spoke with multiple AIM alumni about their personal journeys. They shared candid stories of overcoming mental health challenges, adjusting to new life in a country as an international student, and how AIM supported them along the way. It was an honour to celebrate other alumni accomplishments, for scoring feature length documentaries to writing for K-Pop idol groups and K-R&B artists.
Many current students and recent graduates reached milestones this year by releasing their first ever EPs, thank in part to the mentorship and resources available at AIM. Chrystal Nerrisa, one of these rising stars, expressed her gratitude “I’ve learnt how to record my vocals, the mixing stage, the mastering, how to release the song, and the marketing as well.” Chrystal’s already planning to record even more music in the near future!
We’re also proud to introduce the Justin Cosby Scholarship for 2025, a tribute to the late A&R Director of Intertia Music. Jointly funded by AIM and contributions for Justin’s loved ones, this scholarship supports one student annually in the Bachelor of Arts and Entertainment Management course. We were thrilled to announce Bonnie Rose Stayanof as the inaugural recipient!
We’re thrilled to announce the new Musical Excellence Scholarships, designed to give aspiring musicians a financial boost during their first year. With ten scholarships up for grabs, each worth $7,000, you’ll have some extra help covering those living expenses. These scholarships are open to students in the Bachelor of Music (Composition), Creative Technology, Musicology, Performance, Music Theatre, and Arts & Entertainment Management programs. So, if you’re ready to hit the right notes, this could be your chance.
This year wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our spectacular musicals, Urinetown in Melbourne and The World Goes ‘Round in Sydney. Our students worked tirelessly, and their dedication paid off with sold out shows! From the first table read to the final curtain call, students dove deep into every aspect of production, learning the real-world demands of music theatre. As Music Theatre academic Derek Taylor said, “It is truly putting everything that they learn through academic study into a practical learning experience of what is truly required for a career in the musical theatre industry.” Both productions were simply sensational. Well done to our Music Theatre students!
This 2024 we also welcomed AIM’s new CEO, Dr Ben O’Hara. A musician, an academic, and an experienced leader. Dr O’Hara has been a tremendous asset to the AIM family. Spending time at both our Melbourne and Sydney campuses. He’s fit right into the AIM family! Reflecting on his journey so far, he shared, “As the new CEO, I continue to be excited to embark on this journey with all of you. Every day I get to witness more and more examples of your work as a talented and passionate group of individuals dedicated to fostering musical excellence.”
Amid all these successes, it’s the everyday experiences that resonate most with our students: the collaborative projects, the lunchtime jam sessions, booking their first gigs, and the friendships made. These moments are what many will carry with them for years to come. To the graduates of 2024, we will miss you! And to those who are just beginning their journey with us, and to the ones joining us in 2025, we can’t wait to work with you and share the fun and hard working days ahead.
As the year comes to a close, AIM wishes you all a well deserved break, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Most important, stay safe over the holiday break. We can’t wait to see what 2025 holds!
