When Hunter teen Julia Agsamosam first picked up the guitar she was terrified to play in front of anyone.
Fast forward to this year, and she is happiest strumming with a group of like-minded young musicians.
Last year, the Weston 13-year-old (pictured) joined a holiday intensive course called Polyphonic where teenagers can explore songwriting, learn about the music industry, and play their instruments with their peers.
"I like the environment and you get to socialise with so many people and it's different each time," Julia says.
"We get to record music and play different instruments and do live performances as a group. It has helped me a lot with my confidence."
Hosted at CYCOS Cessnock and Play Anything Music Therapy, Shortland, the July school holiday intensive runs from July 13 to 17. It is a free program for people aged 12 to 17 and is inclusive and supportive of all musical abilities.
Julia's mother Retchil Tan found Polyphonic when she was searching for activities for her children in the school holidays.
"Julia decided to pick up the guitar out of nowhere. The whole family kept saying she had potential but we couldn't afford a music teacher or after-school music activity."
Music therapist Carlin McLellan started Polyphonic after a conversation with a librarian at Cessnock Library about the lack of programs for young people to have creative outlets.
It's funded through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
While the program was designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, McLellan says it's for everyone, with or without a disability.
"I wanted to create a space that was creative and safe and welcoming for young people so that they can be themselves and connect with others."
Since the course started running in the school holidays in 2024, McLellan says he's seen young people who had never picked up an instrument before try new things and gain confidence.
"That's the cool thing about music, anybody can engage with it in their own way and at their own level."
The school holiday intensive was funded through to June 2027.
Polyphonic also hosts free weekly music sessions called SoundLab at Windale Hub, bilyabayi.
