SOLE Music Academy Announces Hybrid Online Artist Development Programme + Emerging Artist Scholarship

SOLE Music Academy is thrilled to announce that a Hybrid Online Learning Option is now available for the 2026 Artist Development Programme plus an Emerging Artist Scholarship to attend, commencing 26 January 2026. Applications close 28 November 2025. Limited spaces available. See our success stories below.

Recognised as one of Aotearoa’s leading artist training pathways and led by platinum award-winning neo-soul artist Sacha Vee, the programme has seen more than fifteen students relocate to Ōtautahi over the past three years to train, a testament to SOLE’s depth, reputation, and proven impact. Designed for 17+, it supports talented singers, songwriters, producers, and bands ready to kickstart their music careers.

In response to growing national demand, SOLE is proud to introduce a new Hybrid Online Learning Option for 2026, giving out-of-town talent across Aotearoa access to the programme without needing to relocate, alongside the Emerging Artist Scholarship to further support rising talent.

Founder Sacha Vee has been honing and refining this programme for more than seven years, shaping it from a personal need she felt during her own music career: “I created what I needed when I was starting out.” SOLE now bridges the gap for emerging artists, developing talent, sharpening artistry, teaching real industry knowledge, and kickstarting music careers with a solid roadmap. It also ensures that pursuing music doesn’t have to be a lonely journey; students develop alongside like-minded artists pursuing the same path, building confidence and community together. The programme is intentionally designed so that students can take part alongside school, university or full-time work.

SOLE bridges the gap in artist development, going one step further than traditional study ever can, offering real-world industry knowledge, hands-on coaching, personalised development, and the kind of opportunities and mentorship that simply don’t exist in a standard classroom.

A Track Record of Transforming Emerging Artists into Industry Successes

SOLE’s Artist Development Programme has helped launch some of Aotearoa’s most exciting new artists. Sam Heselwood, now a Hot NZ Chart #1 artist and NZ On Air Funding recipient, has surpassed 5 million streams on his EP Bloodline, a project managed by SOLE, and credits the programme for helping him build the foundation of his career saying “None of this would have been possible without SOLE.” Nat Hutton, our first ADP student, released her debut EP with us before co-founding indie-pop favourite There’s A Tuesday, saying “we’d still be in our bedroom making music” without the programme.

CASTAWAY have opened for Mitch James and Drax Project, headlined Selwyn Sounds, and received multiple rounds of NZ On Air funding, including selection for the NZ On Air Artist Showcase. Jaz Paterson has secured $30k in funding with SOLE’s support, signed with Twice The Hype, and headlined Electric Avenue 2025. Other standout achievements include Miranda Easten (album debuted at #6 on the Official New Zealand Album Charts), Elskan Fly (150k+ streams for single Ride), Rosetta (#13 Hot 20 NZ Singles & NZonair Funded) and Lucy Ward (both now managed), Niamh Crooks (Spark NZ Open Audition winner, EP Blush), and Lucy Gray (75k audience, tour managed by 5am) performance development with SOLE that helped her shine at multiple support slots with the likes of Frankie Venter.

These outcomes reflect SOLE’s commitment to developing confident, industry-ready artists and the industry is paying attention. The academy and our graduates are increasingly being contacted by labels, publishers and management, and we can see a not-so-distant future where Aotearoa’s music industry turns up to our artist showcases to discover new talent firsthand.

Hybrid Online Learning Option (For Out-of-Town Students Across Aotearoa)

Our new Hybrid Option allows committed musicians anywhere in Aotearoa to access SOLE’s world-class training. We don’t believe true artist development can happen entirely online. Connection, collaboration, and the energy of being in the room are essential. The Hybrid pathway blends live online sessions throughout the year with four in-person intensive weeks in Ōtautahi, where the biggest creative breakthroughs, assessments and major projects take place.

The Emerging Artist Scholarship is awarded to individuals 17 years and up who demonstrate exceptional skill, passion, and potential in the music industry. By providing financial support, the scholarship aims to cultivate the next generation of artists, helping them achieve their creative goals and develop a sustainable career in the arts. This scholarship will be awarded to an individual who is accepted into our Artist Development programme, and will go toward the cost of the programme. Learn more here

How to Apply

Applications close 28 November 2025. APPLY HERE

Applicants are required to submit:

– A performance video

– A songwriting example (demo or voice memo accepted)

– Links to socials any released work (socials, YouTube, Spotify if available)

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview.

Whether joining in person or through the Hybrid pathway, students leave SOLE with the skills, confidence and roadmap needed to build – or continue building – a sustainable, professional career in music.