Resonate Magazine | Australian Music Centre

Image: Nat Bartsch  

For 50 years, the Australian Music Centre has championed emerging and mid-career artists, helping shape the rich and diverse sound of Australian art music. This year's AusArt Day campaign celebrates that legacy by sharing the stories of artists whose careers have been transformed through the AMC's support.

One of those artists is Nat Bartsch, a pianist, composer and label founder, who champions neurodivergence in the Australian art music community. In this interview, Nat shares insights into her artistic journey, the value of community, and how the AMC has helped her bring bold new ideas to life.

Nat: As an artist who creates music across a variety of contemporary genres, I've found the classical music scene to be the most warm and welcoming, but also quite different in the way that it operates; there are many traditions and norms, and different ways of producing and sharing creative work. The AMC has helped me understand some of these nuances, particularly as a composer writing for others. The art music scene is very lucky to have an organisation committed to supporting us and our work like this, something I haven't seen in other corners of the music industry nearly as much.

Q. What opportunities and experiences have you been able to explore as an AMC represented artist?

Nat: They've also helped me foster international relationships through their Classical Next fellowship program; have my solo piano works in the HSC and VCE syllabus and curriculum; allow my orchestral parts to be available for hire for further performances. I've also been especially lucky to advocate for neurodivergent musicians by delivering the 2024 Peggy Glanville Hicks address.

Q. What are your hopes and goals for the future of your art music career?

Nat: Having a neurodivergent, entrepreneurial brain in the creative industries is a blessing and a curse - I have more hopes and goals than time to pursue them! I'm so lucky to have the opportunities I've had as a composer/performer and record label owner - but the workload is often too much! Hopefully in the years ahead, I get to continue to grow as an artist, acquire new skills, write some music I'm proud of, but have also found a little more help in my music business - especially so my big, community-minded ideas can grow sustainably and benefit others.

Support the future of Australian music this AusArt Day

On Thursday 23 October 2025, join us for AusArt Day - Creative Australia's new national giving day dedicated to the arts.

Your donation this AusArt Day will help us nurture the next generation of Australian creatives keeping our music community growing and flourishing for years to come.

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