The 15-year-old from Mittagong spent eight days in Tamworth attending the CMAA Academy of Country Music junior course which she said was a life-changing experience. 

“The whole experience was amazing. It was the best thing I’ve ever done. I met some of the most incredible people and made friendships that will last the rest of my life,” she said. 

The eight-day course was attended by school aged kids from across Australia and New Zealand who aspire to be country music artists.

Abbey’s stepmum Michelle Cashman said getting Abbey to Tamworth was a family affair as she attended an intensive course for parents while the rest of the family came along for support and to see her perform. 

“Getting Abbey to Tamworth was definitely a group effort. Even the extended family had to help out with her brother so I could attend the parent course, as each child has to have a parent attend with them. She is one lucky kid, but she is definitely super grateful she got to go,” Ms Cashman said. 

The 23 kids who participated in the program were trained vocally, received lessons in songwriting and musicianship, and attended talks from successful industry personalities. 

Abbey said though the course involved long days and hard work, she wanted to get the most out every experience, a highlight was writing her first song with seven Golden Guitar winning musician Alan Caswell. 

“I wrote my first song with Alan Caswell called ‘He’s so real’ and performed it at a concert on the last day,” she said. 

Abbey wasted no time in putting her new skills and confidence into practice, performing alongside singer Kora Naughton at a show in Tamworth. 

It was a chance meeting with Kora Naughton earlier this year that led Abbey to Tamworth. Ms Naughton had attended the course in a previous year and suggested Abbey submit an application. 

“I got an amazing opportunity from a 10-minute conversation after a gig. One conversation really can change your life,” Abbey said. 

“We would both recommend the experience to anyone wanting to get into the industry. It was great to watch Abbey’s confidence grow and every aspect of her performance improve from her vocals and stage presence and banter to her actually writing her first song,” Ms Cashman said.

Abbey’s next performance is still in the pipeline, but you can follow her on Facebook to stay in the loop: @abbeyjohnsonmusic.