Making music is expensive, Yamaha Music Australia is putting some actual money and gear behind emerging Australian artists again in 2026.
Yamaha Music Australia has announced the return of its Main Stage Grant, offering Australian bands, songwriters and producers the chance to score $10,000 in cash and Yamaha equipment.
First launched last year, Main Stage is split across three categories: bands, songwriters/artists and studio/music producers. One recipient from each category will receive $5,000 cash plus $5,000 worth of Yamaha gear to put towards their work.
Applications are open now and close at 10am AEST on Tuesday, October 6th, with finalists announced October 27th and the three winners revealed November 17th.
Main Stage Returns After More Than 500 Applications
More than 500 artists applied for the inaugural grant last year, with Sydney art-folk outfit Beryl, multi-instrumentalist Dylan Atlantis and electronic artist Moss ultimately selected.
For Beryl, that support went directly back into making and touring music.
‘It genuinely helped move our career forward. The grant helped us record our upcoming third album, and it also provided us with some great Yamaha gear to take on tour.’
Yamaha Music Australia’s Mitch Kelly says the response convinced the company there was room to expand the initiative beyond its original scope.
‘The response to Main Stage last year was incredible, and confirmed there was a real demand for a program like this. What stood out most wasn’t just the volume of applications, but the quality of the talent and the stories behind them.’
Kelly added that Yamaha has since supported artists through equipment, content creation and tour announcements, with plans to develop Main Stage into a broader support community.
Applications Will Also Support Support Act
There’s another worthwhile element attached to the 2026 grant.
Yamaha Music Australia will donate $5 to Support Act for every Main Stage Grant application received, providing additional funding for the organisation’s work supporting people across the Australian music industry.
In an industry where recording, equipment and touring costs can kneecap emerging artists before they’ve had much chance to move, $10,000 worth of practical support isn’t insignificant.
Better still, there are three grants available rather than forcing bands, solo artists and producers to fight over the same pile.
Applications for Yamaha Music Australia’s 2026 Main Stage Grant are open now and close at 10am AEST on Tuesday, October 6th.
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