The Music Industry: 10 Years of Creativity, Connection and Growth

Chat Session 160 with Cheryl and Tillie

🎧 Catch Up Link

Topic- Changing Lives Through the Power of Music

Monday 22nd June 2026 1pm https://rppfm.com.au

From a Simple Idea to a Thriving Music Community

In November 2016, musician and songwriter Cheryl Beattie opened the doors to The Music Industry School of Music in Rosebud on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. Her vision was simple yet powerful: to create a welcoming and inclusive space where people of all ages could discover, learn and enjoy music.

The idea was born from personal experience. Living in the southern region of the Peninsula, Cheryl found herself travelling significant distances to access music lessons for her own children. Drums in Mornington, piano in Langwarrin – it was a challenge shared by many local families. As more people began asking about music lesson opportunities closer to home, Cheryl recognised a clear need within the community.

That need became the foundation of The Music Industry.

Building a Home for Music

Nearly a decade later, The Music Industry remains proudly located on the corner of Boneo Road and Point Nepean Road in Rosebud. What started as a small local music school has grown into a vibrant creative hub, welcoming around 160 students each week and supported by a team of 15 dedicated teachers.

Students of all ages and abilities can explore lessons in vocals, piano, guitar, bass, drums and songwriting. Beyond individual lessons, the school's popular Band Program allows students to rehearse and perform together, developing not only their musical skills but also confidence, teamwork and lasting friendships.

Throughout its growth, the school's mission has remained unchanged: to share the transformative power of music and create opportunities for people to express themselves through creativity.

Supporting Young People Through Music

One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the creation of The Music Industry Care Program.

Following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cheryl became increasingly concerned about the impact on children's mental health, social connection and engagement with hobbies and school life. Knowing firsthand the positive influence music can have on wellbeing, she launched an after-school music program at Seawinds Community Hub (now Capel Sound Community Hub) in 2022.

The response was overwhelming. What began as a small initiative quickly attracted support from the Mornington Peninsula Foundation, allowing the program to expand significantly. Dedicated Wednesday evening sessions grew from 20 participants to 60 children receiving music lessons, meals and a safe, supportive environment.

In 2024, the program expanded further into Hastings through a partnership with the Western Port Community Support Centre. Today, the Care Program supports approximately 100 students across both regions, operating five days each week and providing access to music education, mentorship and community connection.

A Culture of Creativity and Songwriting

While many music schools focus primarily on performance and technique, songwriting has always been at the heart of The Music Industry.

Drawing on her own successful career as a songwriter and recording artist, Cheryl encourages students to discover their unique voices through original music. Having transitioned from performing cover songs to writing her own material, she understands how powerful songwriting can be in helping artists develop confidence and authenticity.

As a result, original music is woven into the culture of the school. Students are encouraged to write, record and perform their own songs, with regular showcase events each term providing opportunities to share their work with family, friends and the wider community.

Many teachers at the school are also active songwriters and recording artists, creating an inspiring environment where creativity is celebrated and nurtured.

Opening Doors Through Songwriter Camps

The Music Industry's commitment to songwriting extends well beyond the classroom.

In 2019, Cheryl took eight students to Los Angeles for the inaugural Camp LA, where they were mentored by internationally respected songwriters and producers Pam Sheyne and Richard Harris.

The success of that experience laid the foundation for an ongoing partnership through Songwriter Camps. Since then, students have participated in six camps, learning songwriting fundamentals, co-writing techniques, production skills and industry insights while collaborating with experienced professionals.

These programs have also created opportunities for students to connect with music supervisors, publishers and other industry figures, helping them better understand potential career pathways.

Last year, students even travelled to Hawaii to participate in the Hawaiian Songwriting Festival, collaborating with artists from around the world and showcasing their original music on an international stage.

The Next Chapter: Introducing RAMP

As The Music Industry approaches its tenth anniversary, Cheryl is already looking toward the future.

Together with Pam Sheyne and Richard Harris, she has developed the Recording Artists Music Program (RAMP), a new initiative designed to support emerging Australian singer-songwriters in taking their careers to the next level.

Launching in July, RAMP will focus on artist development, recording opportunities and international industry connections. The program aims to help talented young artists access publishing opportunities, sync placements and collaborative partnerships overseas, particularly within the United States music market.

For Cheryl, RAMP represents a natural progression from the songwriting camps and reflects her ongoing commitment to creating meaningful pathways for Australian artists.

Start Your Music Journey

As The Music Industry celebrates 10 years of inspiring musicians, songwriters and performers across the Mornington Peninsula, the future has never looked brighter. From beginner lessons and band programs to songwriting camps and international artist development opportunities, there is a place for everyone within the TMI community.

Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time, looking to develop your songwriting skills, or searching for a supportive and creative environment to grow as an artist, The Music Industry welcomes students of all ages and abilities.

To learn more, book a lesson, or enquire about upcoming programs, visit The Music Industry School of Music or get in touch with the team directly. You can also follow The Music Industry on social media Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on student achievements, showcases, songwriting opportunities, camps and exciting new programs.

Your musical journey starts here.

The school is located at 1449 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud and can be reached by phone or email through their website.

My hope is that when you’re looking at yourself in the

‘The Daily Mirror’

YOU SMILE

EMBRACE BEING YOU

AND FIND 10 MINUTES IN YOUR DAY TO NOURISH YOUR SOUL!

To get in touch with Cathy email smileinthedailymirror@gmail.com 

'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.