Category Archives: Member Updates

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

Advocacy update: AMA gives evidence at government inquiries

30th July, 2024

The AMA has appeared twice at government inquiries in the past week, and met with important stakeholders on a range of issues.

On 25th July Alex Masso represented the AMA at a hearing for the Inquiry into the challenges and opportunities within the Australian live music industry, conducted by the Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts. 

Alex Masso addressing the Joint Select Committee on Arts and Music Education and Training in New South Wales

That same day, the AMA completed its submission to the Joint Select Committee on Arts and Music Education and Training in New South Wales (read more). Today Alex Massso represented the AMA at a hearing for that committee, on a day that included Alberts, ASME, Music in Me, Sydney Youth Orchestra, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the NSW Music Teachers’ Association, Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums, and others.

Jochen Zenthöfer and Alex Masso in Sydney

Meanwhile, Alex met with Jochen Zenthöfer from Save Our Spectrum, one of the leading international advocates for cultural use of radiofrequency spectrum, during his visit to Australia. He is based in Europe and focuses primarily on that region, but performs an essential role similar to NAMM and the League of American Orchestras on CITES issues, keeping up to date with the World Radiocommunications Conference and other international developments and coordinating the industry response. The AMA has mentioned the use of spectrum for wireless audio devices in submissions to government inquiries on the National Cultural Policy and the Challenges and opportunities within the Australian live music industry.

The AMA continues to monitor and respond to issues that affect the industry, there are a number of consultations this year related to skills and training including the Skills Taxonomy and ANZSCO (occupation) codes.

AMA Submission to NSW Parliamentary Committee

26th July 2024

The Australian Music Association has a strong history of advocating for the importance of music education and participation in music, and increasing access to quality music education for all children. Earlier this year a Joint Select Committee within NSW Parliament was established to investigate Arts and Music Education and Training in NSW.  Continue reading →

Amber Technology Announces New GM

15th July 2024

Amber Technology, a leading provider of professional audio solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Garrick Simeon as the new general manager of professional products and media systems, effective 1 July, 2024. This strategic appointment comes as a part of the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in the industry.
 
Garrick Simeon brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Amber Technology, having previously served with the company from 2000 to 2011 in various capacities, including marketing manager for Avid Australia and general manager of the video and audio post division.  
 
Since 2011, Garrick has served in roles such as managing director at General Dynamics Mediaware, transformation consultant for Synergy Group, federal public sector account director at Amazon Web Services (AWS), and APAC regional sales and partner manager at archTIS Software. His extensive experience in people management, technical expertise, and strategic vision make him well-suited to lead the professional products team into the future.
 
Leon Hart, the outgoing general manager, will be retiring from the business at the end of 2024 after twenty years of dedicated service. Under his leadership, the professional products team has achieved significant milestones and established itself as a leader in the industry.
 
Peter Amos, managing director, Amber Technology, said, “On behalf of the Amber Technology Board, management, and staff we extend our sincere thanks to Leon Hart for his unwavering dedication over the past two decades, and wish him well in his retirement. We are confident that Garrick Simeon’s leadership will continue to drive our professional products division to new heights, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.”  Continue reading →

Live Music Inquiry

15th July 2024

The AMA has been invited to give evidence at the Inquiry into the challenges and opportunities within the Australian live music industry, conducted by the Standing Committee on Communications and The Arts (Federal Parliament). Continue reading →