BIYMF Alumni Stories
Where young musicians begin, and where their journeys lead.
Where our alumni are now
Our Alumni Community
BIYMF has welcomed hundreds of young musicians from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Many have gone on to conservatoriums, professional ensembles, international competitions and busy artistic careers. Their stories show what opportunity, encouragement and community can do for a young player.
Every reflection on this page comes directly from our alumni. Honest, personal, and tied closely to their musical growth.
What alumni tell us
How BIYMF Shapes Musicians
Confidence and Identity
Finding an artistic voice and learning to trust it, on stage and in the practice room.
Performance Experience
Playing to a real audience and a professional panel, then doing it again with more control.
Professional Pathways
Auditions, conservatoriums and ensembles that open up after a strong result at the festival.
Community and Mentorship
Teachers, adjudicators and fellow musicians who stay in touch long after the final round.
These four themes come back in almost every reflection we receive. They are the reason BIYMF is more than a competition.
In their own words
Featured Alumni Reflections
Two musicians who started out with BIYMF, in their own words. One competed in the early years and still performs with what the festival helped him buy. One won in 2025 and played Brisbane City Hall a few months later.
Alumni spotlight
Oliver Scott
A decade on, the impact still resonates.
Some stories stay with us, and Oliver Scott’s is one of them. As a young cellist he competed in the early years of BIYMF and went on to become a thoughtful, expressive musician with a deep commitment to his craft. Recently he shared something that moved us:
“I used the prize money from BIYMF to help purchase a bow that I still use to this day. The competition has had a tangible and lasting impact on my life as a musician.”
For any young performer, the right bow shapes sound, confidence and artistic identity. Knowing that BIYMF played a part in Oliver’s musical journey, not just in the moment but in the instrument he still performs with, is exactly why this festival exists.
Oliver also reflected on the importance of community:
“It’s wonderful to see BIYMF continuing to provide these opportunities. A community like this can make such a difference at that stage in a young musician’s development.”
He is right. BIYMF was built to be more than a competition. It is a place where young musicians are seen, supported and inspired. Oliver, we are honoured by your words and glad you would like to be involved again. Your journey embodies the spirit of the festival: talent, dedication and the courage to grow.
2025 BIYMF Winner
Emma Rose Koeswandy
From the competition stage to Brisbane City Hall.
BIYMF has been a very special part of my musical journey. Competing at BIYMF challenged me to perform at my best while learning from many talented young musicians who share the same passion for music. It was an inspiring environment that encouraged both artistic growth and personal development.
Being recognised as a winner in 2025 gave me the opportunity to perform at the Winners Concert and Award Ceremony at Brisbane City Hall’s historic Ithaca Auditorium. Performing in front of a public audience on one of Brisbane’s most iconic stages was both an honour and an unforgettable experience.
I am deeply grateful to BIYMF for its dedication to nurturing young musicians and providing meaningful opportunities for artistic growth. I hope my journey encourages other young musicians to embrace every opportunity, keep learning, and enjoy the incredible experiences that music can bring.
“The friendships, experiences and opportunities that began at BIYMF will always hold a special place in my heart.”
More alumni coming soon
We are collecting new reflections from past participants. If you took part in any BIYMF season, we would like to include your story.
Represent the festival
BIYMF Alumni Ambassadors
Our ambassadors represent the festival in performances, masterclasses, outreach and promotional content. They help inspire the next generation and keep our musical community strong.
Performances
At festival concerts and community events.
Masterclasses
Leading or assisting sessions for younger participants.
Outreach
Carrying the festival to schools, studios and local audiences.
Promotional content
Interviews, films and photography for the festival.
If becoming an ambassador sounds like you, tick the box in the form below. It is the same form, and it takes one extra line.
Share Your BIYMF Story
Send us a short reflection of 150 to 250 words on how BIYMF shaped your musical journey. If you would also like to represent the festival as an ambassador, tick the box near the end.
Your story will appear on this page alongside your photo and a short bio. Become part of our legacy.