Category Archives: Member Updates

Funding secured for Instrument Making and Repair Course

November 2024

The AMA recently wrote a submission to the Victorian Skills Authority to support ongoing funding for the Certificate III and IV courses in Musical instrument making and repair at the Northern College of the Arts & Technology (NCAT). We recently heard that this funding has been continued thanks to the efforts of NCAT, Maton Guitars, the AMA, and others. Continue reading

Tariffs Removed on Percussion

15th November 2024

The Australian Government has removed tariffs on all imports of Percussion products. The Nuisance Tariffs policy was developed to remove very low revenue tariff collection where there is no particular reason for a tariff to continue. The AMA supported this change and analysed customs, AMA found that in the 12 months prior to this consultation (April 2023-March 2024), $37426 was collected on Percussion imports including $12462 from the US. Continue reading

New AMA President

17th October 2024

At the Australian Music Association’s Annual General Meeting for 2024, Megan Stapleton (Hal Leonard Australia) was elected President of the association. Outgoing President, Cameron Leitch, will be taking leave from his role at Soundbay and did not renominate for the Executive Committee or the role of President, which he has held for the past year. Continue reading

Helen Marx departs AMA board

In September, Helen Marx resigned from her position on the AMA board as she moved on from employment with Australis Music Group.

Helen was a driving force behind some major initiatives of the AMA during the past few years. She has been passionate about finding solutions, improving existing programs, asking big questions, and in particular Helen played an essential role in planning for Melbourne Guitar Show 2025. She also worked with the board, Australis Music Group’s graphic designer, Jay’C Rivera, to facilitate the new logos for both the AMA and Melbourne Guitar Show.

I would like to thank Helen for her insights, creative and strategic ideas, energy, and determination in her time with the AMA board, and wish her all the best.

– Alex Masso, Executive Officer

2024 AMA Awards: Open For Nominations

13th August 2024

The Australian Music Association will present awards recognising substantial and valued contributions and achievements in the Australian music products industry. The AMA will present three Awards categories, one being the Honour Roll, continuing as the association’s highest honour and an important part of its history. The other two awards are for Significant Contribution to the industry, and Emerging Leader in the industry.

Nominations for the 2024 AMA Awards have opened on 13th August and will close on 13th September, 2024. These awards will be presented at the Industry Leadership Summit on 15th October, 2024.

Read more about the AMA Awards criteria, principles, and process | Nomination Form