A nerve-wracking live audition has put Tahli Thomas on her dream career path after she was accepted in to the Australian Institute of Music.
The Kepnock State High School student will study a Bachelor of Music at the Melbourne-based school.
Performing at gigs since the age of 16 has made the teen quite well known around town, but her love of music started a long time before then.
“I was given a SingStar for Christmas one year and from there I became obsessed with singing,” Tahli said.
“Mum encouraged me to do singing lessons at the Bundaberg Vocal Academy for a few years where I gained confidence in a group environment.”
Acceptance to complete a Bachelor of Music was a welcomed shock to Tahli which provided reassurance surrounding her chosen career.
“They push you at school to go to uni and to choose your career path and I had thought being a singer was a bit unrealistic,” she said.
Encouragement from Bundaberg vocal coach Jessica Modolo provided Tahli with confidence to follow her dreams.
“I have been training with Jess for around a year now,” Tahli said.
“She was amazing; she inspired me to give it a crack and audition for some places and just see what happens.”
How Tahli's Australian Institute of Music dream began
Tahli completed a written application and phone interview with the institution in early October prior to flying down to Melbourne later that month for the required audition.
“I booked my flight and flew down, straight from the airport to my audition,” Tahli said.
“I sang my song and did a bit of an interview and was offered a position on the spot.
“A big weight lifted off my shoulders as I knew what I would be doing next year.
“I was super excited at first, but the reality is now setting in of moving away!”
Tahli will be heading to America for a short break early next year before heading back to Bundaberg to gig more before her Australian Institute of Music adventure begins.
If you want to experience the beautiful vocals of Tahli Thomas before she heads off to the big smoke in May, check out her Facebook page for gig details.
