Emica Taylor
ANAM Musician (Flute, 3rd year 2026)
In 2026 I've entered my third and final year of the ANAM Performance Program on flute. It’s an absolute privilege to share a small glimpse of my experience at ANAM celebrating its 30-year journey, including the highs, lows, and quarter tones in between.
In February 2024, I left New Zealand and arrived in Melbourne knowing three things: I had a deep passion for music, I only knew a handful of people at ANAM, and I was a little scared I’d get an Australian accent. As I prepare for my last year of studies, I can confidently say that I’m more inspired by this art form than ever, I’ve found myself surrounded by the most supportive community, and I’m proud to confirm that my Kiwi accent is still going strong!
What first drew me to the Academy was my incredible friend Mana, who told me about the ANAM program just a week before the 2024 applications were due. It all seemed too good to be true! Chamber music left, right and centre, world-class teachers and faculty who have contributed years, even decades to the field, the chance to work up close with guest artists in residencies, side-by-side concerts with orchestras across Australia…I knew I had to do whatever I could to become a student at an institution like that.
Over my course of my time at ANAM, I’ve seen a new sense of freedom unlocked in my technique, musicality, and confidence, on and off stage. What I’ve experienced is not a one-size-fits-all course, but a program shaped around each student. I credit much of the growth I’ve felt here to the opportunities we’ve been presented with to embrace the uncomfortable. Whether it’s standing in for a concert at a day's notice, performing Strauss' Ein Heldenleben with the MSO, or, perhaps most daunting of all, page turning for Paavali Jumppanen, ANAM equips us for real life as a professional musician. 
Emica and fellow ANAM musicians' award-winning performance of Richard Meale's 'Incredible Floridas', ACO Pier 2/3 Sydney, September 2025. Photo credit: Neil Bennett.
One of the most valuable aspects of this environment is the safe space it creates for young musicians to push ourselves to our limits, gradually learning to live comfortably in the uncomfortable. There have been moments in my two years here when the expectations I set for myself felt unachievable, no matter how hard I practiced, and I found myself overwhelmed with the workload. However, whenever I reached this point, I never had to look far to find a fellow student, faculty, or syndicate member willing to listen and support me. Actually, more often than not, people would check in and ask if I was okay before I even had to say anything.
It was evident from the moment I began that ANAM’s biggest focus is to create healthy, well-rounded musicians, both physically and mentally. The Academy has been extremely demanding, and so is anything which is this rewarding, so I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve watched myself grow more comfortable performing with that natural bit of stress, and learning to succeed within it. In this way, we’re not only being trained to become excellent musicians, but to excel in all areas of life, making the most of every opportunity we’re presented with.
Do I want to leave ANAM this year? No! Do I feel prepared to take the next steps in my artistic career? Yes. The training I’ve received has equipped me with the skill set and tools necessary to navigate a career as a professional musician within the industry, whatever shape or form that may take.
I want to extend my gratitude and a massive thank you to everyone who makes ANAM possible: the incredible teachers, staff, board members, donors, philanthropists, fellow musicians, and of course the alumni who paved the way before us.