“From Goroka to the Globe”
M U S I K B L O K
WHO WE ARE
Spearheaded by 4 time ARIA Award nominee Ngaiire, Musik Blok is an annual music mentoring program based in Goroka, Papua New Guinea bringing together local PNG talent and world-class mentors to equip young musicians with the tools, skills, and confidence to thrive.
Despite PNG’s rich musical heritage and immense talent, pathways for sustainable music careers are few. Musik Blok will help to change that. Over an intensive 2 weeks, emerging PNG artists will receive professional coaching in songwriting, production, live performance, and cultural preservation — and have the rare chance to record in a purpose-built studio.
FOUNDER + PROGRAM DIRECTOR
NGAIIRE
“This project brings together tradition and innovation. It’s about honouring who we are while building the future we want.”
Founder and program director Ngaiire always knew she’d come back to Papua New Guinea to give back to her community after building an impressive 20 year long career in the Australian music industry. Ngaiire has performed at Glastonbury in the UK, Splendour In the Grass as well as opening and performing with Sampha, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Sufjan Stevens, Flume and Hiatus Kaiyote .
APPLY SOON
APPLY SOON
Keep an eye out for application dates. Entry is currently only open to Papua New Guinean residents at the moment, however, we hope that in the near future we can accommodate artists from right across the Pacific Islands.
OUR MENTORS
Paul Mac
PRODUCTION
Paul Mac is one of the leading figures in Australian electronic music. He is a composer, songwriter, musician and producer. Paul is a conservatorium graduate and a multi ARIA Award winner for his work with underground dance pioneers Itch-E & Scratch-E and for his own solo work. The list of artists with whom he’s collaborated over recent years includes Sia, Kylie, Daniel Johns, and Ngaiire.
Paul scores music for films, TV and theatre and he has previously worked with Bangarra on the acclaimed productions – Blak and Miyagan from OUR land people stories.
Paul’s is one half of duo, Stereogamous, which has seen them create remixes for LCD Soundsystem, Rufus Du Sol, George Michael and Kylie. Paul has also released an album under the moniker, The Dissociatives, with Silverchair’s Daniel Johns.
In addition to his multiple ARIA awards and APRA songwriting award, Paul’s career highlights include Australian Dance Music Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Dance and Producer Of The Year.
Paul is currently a lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and doing a Doctor of Musical Arts in composition. He also has an original theatre show in development with playwright Lachlan Philpott, titled ‘The Rise and Fall of St George’. An ‘In Progress’ Concert of the work was performed at the 2019 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival and 2020 Midsumma Festival in Melbourne.
Tim Roberts
AUDIO PRODUCTION
Tim Roberts is an experienced sound technician based in Brisbane, Australia, with 15 years in the events industry. Holding a Diploma in Creative Technology from JMC Academy (2008), Tim has honed his technical skills and creative approach to sound production, establishing himself as a versatile and reliable professional in the live events sector. Throughout his career, The John Steel Singers, Felivand, Tkay Maidza, and DZ Deathrays, as well as numerous smaller local acts. In addition to his work with artists, Tim has extensive experience in Brisbane's live music scene, having worked in renowned venues such as Black Bear Lodge, The Brightside, The Zoo, The Princess Theatre, The Tivoli, The Triffid, The Powerhouse, the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre, and the State Library Queensland. As a touring sound technician, he has also been a key part of the technical teams at major festivals, including Vivid, WOMAdelaide, Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, Jungle Love, Fest Nap'uan in Vanuatu, and Groovin the Moo, in addition to corporate events such as the Brisbane Comedy Festival and Brisbane Writers Festival.
Andrew Bruce
KEYBOARDS + LIVE PRODUCTION
Andrew Bruce is a distinguished pianist and music educator based in Sydney, Australia. Originally from Wellington, New Zealand, he pursued his passion for music by obtaining a Bachelor of Music from the University of Sydney. Andrew's formative years were spent at Hutt Valley High School in Wellington, where he began honing his musical talents.
Throughout his career, Andrew has established himself as a versatile musician, performing across a range of genres and settings. His commitment to music education is evident through his role as a music instructor, where he imparts his extensive knowledge and experience to students. Andrew's dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians underscores his belief in the transformative power of music.
In addition to his teaching endeavors, Andrew maintains an active performance schedule, collaborating with various artists and ensembles including Sydney experimental outfit Godtet.
Alwyn De Los Santos
VOCALS + PERFORMANCE
Alwyn De Los Santos is the Head Vocal Instructor for Sentry Music in Sydney’s West specialising in amateur, intermediate, and advanced vocalists. He has worked as instructor to contestants on The Voice to established artists like Timomatic and Ngaiire. With a Bachelor of Music (Specializing in Contemporary Performance) and certification as an IVA Vocal Instructor (Level 1), Alwyn brings a high standard of technical expertise and performance excellence to his teaching. Alwyn’s career extends across international and interstate performances and teaching, equipping him with a well-rounded perspective on vocal artistry. He is deeply committed to mentoring emerging vocalists and supporting established artists, ensuring they develop and maintain strong vocal health while meeting the demands of the industry.
Hailey Cramer
SONGWRITING + LIVE PERFORMANCE
Hailey Cramer is an accomplished Sri Lankan/Australian singer-songwriter from Melbourne and curremt backing singer for Australian national treasure and icon Tina Arena.
Hailey has worked with other prolific Australian and international artists, including Hip Hop artist Pez, featuring on his ‘Festival Song’, 360, Gotye, US Roots artist Michael Franti, Darryl Braithwait, Vicka & Linda Bull and Blue King Brown to name a few.
Hailey has been teaching at Melbourne’s COLLARTS Creative Collage of the Arts over the last 6 years
Waveney Yasso
GUITAR + COMPOSITION
Waveney is a proud Yuwi Burra & South Sea Island descendant. She graduated from WAAPA Borloo (Perth) studying Contemporary Music with drums as her first instrument. Waveney was part of global sensation ‘Pub Choir’ and has toured the world playing guitar & drums with Ben Lee, Paul Kelly, Powderfinger, Lior, Killing Heidi, The Cat Empire, The Grates, Ball Park Music and Meg Mac to name a few. As a composer Waveney has created original work across a range of genres. Creating music for film, TV commercials, Award Ceremonies, theatre work & in June 2023 she released a children’s album titled ‘Our Backyard’ with Alinta & Waveney. Winning her Major Minor Music Australia’s ‘Michael McGlynn New Comer’ award.
In 2024 Waveney arranged, recorded & performed music for the Queensland Museum in collaboration with Yuggera Language Elder Gaja Kerry Charlton to create a piece that will now open World Science Festival Brisbane. Her creative ingenuity is limitless & has helped shape & colour several works continuing the pursuit of reviving language and culture through music.
Tully Ryan
DRUMS
Tully's dedication to his craft has established him as a sought-after musician in the Australian music scene and beyond. Currently a member of experimental electronic Sydney outfit GODTET, Tully has appeared on many records including Grammy Award winning artist Van Hunt, Don West, I Know Leopard and a plethora of others. Tully spends half his time in Japan playing for famous Japanese guitarist Char and has been since 2023. He also tours internationally with producer Harvey Sutherland and has been a member of Ngaiire’s band for the last decade. Tully has taught drums at Sydney’s JMC Academy for over 10 years.