What others say.
hear what young artists, judges, schools, sponsors and collaborators have to say about making a little noise with us!
Joel Vanderuit
Kisschasy
‘As an invited judge for Rock Challenge Tasmania 2025, I was unsure what would await me having never been involved previously. I was truly staggered at the level of professionalism, maturity and raw talent that I witnessed throughout the evening. Having to constantly remind myself how young these musicians are, and how warming it was not only to be exposed to this level of talent, but to acknowledge how crucial and special it is for them to have a platform like Rock Challenge to showcase their music, and gain valuable experience performing on stage, in front of an audience. I hope it continues for many years to come!’
tyler richardson
luca brasi
‘As a Tasmanian musician who knows the value of a music scene and the sheer importance of young people getting their chance to perform, I wholeheartedly support the work of The Tasmanian Rock Challenge. Our band, Luca Brasi, was lucky enough to come up as young people in a scene with open arms. As we got older alot of these opportunities became less available, The Rock Challenge gives this opportunity - a chance for budding musicians to show off their skills and get a shot at the next level. Whatever that level may be, The Rock Challenge becomes a hugely important foundation for whatever these young legends choose to do next.’
Matt Sertori
‘Rock Challenge Tasmania is an invaluable platform for young musicians across the state. It provides high school bands with the rare opportunity to perform live on proper stages in front of real audiences, experiences that are increasingly difficult for young artists to access. Opportunities for emerging and under-18 bands are limited, with venue availability and age restrictions often standing in the way, making Rock Challenge Tasmania often the first and sometimes only step onto a genuine live music stage. Support for this program sends a powerful message: that new voices, new sounds, and new generations of musician's matter. Even a single showcase or performance can provide inspiration, validation, and a tangible goal for young bands, while fostering growth in Tasmania’s broader music and cultural landscape. Rock Challenge Tasmania benefits not only the young musicians involved but the wider community and the future of the Tasmanian music scene.’
napoleon dodo & His wind up dolls
Scott Haigh
musician / rc alum
‘The Rock Challenge is a rite of passage for any aspiring musician in Tasmania. In the early stages of developing their skills, young artists need constructive feedback on both their strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities to perform in front of a live audience. Sadly, these opportunities are becoming increasingly rare. The Rock Challenge provides a vital platform for emerging musicians to gain experience and pursue a future in music.’
Jacob Ebbs
rock challenge alum
‘Rock challenge exposes young talents of the Tasmanian music industry to some of the best experiences within the best environments out there. I had the privilege of being apart of this community on a variety of capacities learning, not only how to be a musician, but also from the incredible tech teams, judges, managers and other talents that gather around this event. Don’t take this as just getting up on stage and playing a show, it’s an incredible opportunity to grow and have fun in many different areas with the support of an incredible team around you. I can’t recommend it more to anyone considering jumping in and giving it a go, it’s a fantastic opportunity and a hell of a lot of fun!’
will halfacre
rock challenge alum
‘As an active musician in Tasmania who is now doing gigs across Tasmania, the Tasmanian Rock Challenge was a great introduction to what the gigging world looked like. As a high school musician who was more than ready to hit the stage doing what I loved, the Tas rock challenge was the best thing I had coming. It gives young people an insight as to what the life of a musician actually looks like. Things like doing soundchecks, talking with stage crews and organising time management for when you need to be off and on. For many, it acts as a stepping stone for what is to come next in life as a musician. For myself, the Tasmanian Rock Challenge extended both the bands I entered with and drove us to become better at our crafts and also helped me to connect with many other musicians throughout Tasmania. It served as a crucial part of my music journey and I couldn’t be more grateful for this program.’
tony guitierrez
teacher & musician
‘Rock Challenge is an incredible opportunity for upcoming musicians and students to develop their craft in a real-world setting. It empowers young artists to compose and perform their own original music, giving them creative ownership and confidence in their abilities. Performing on a professional stage with high-quality sound, lighting, and equipment creates an inspiring atmosphere that makes students feel valued and taken seriously as musicians. One of the standout aspects of Rock Challenge is the feedback provided by professional musicians, offering meaningful insights that help students grow both musically and personally. Beyond performance, students gain a deeper understanding of the expectations, discipline, and practice required to refine their skills and navigate the music industry. Rock Challenge is not just a performance event—it’s an authentic learning experience that prepares students for the realities of being a musician. Prospect High School students consistently go the extra yard for Rock Challenge, showing strong commitment, teamwork, and pride in their work. They dedicate extra time to rehearsals, composition, and refining their performances, while actively applying feedback to improve. Their willingness to exceed expectations reflects a professional mindset and a genuine passion for music and performance especially for the Rock Challenge.’