Telstra Road to Discovery, the talent development program that connects emerging singer songwriters with some of the most influential figures in the music industry, has officially opened the call for entries for the 2015 program.

From today (Monday 13 July), aspiring singer songwriters can submit their entry online in three easy steps at www.telstra.com/trtd for the opportunity to win one of two music development funds valued at $15,000.

The program gives artists the flexibility to achieve their goals their way with an all-expenses paid trip to the USA to attend the Americana Music Festival, local gigs, ongoing education and the opportunity to work with Telstra to help them kick-start their music career as well as the $15,000 development fund.

Telstra Group Manager Creative Partnerships, Nicola Reeves, said the program aims to connect aspiring artists with some of the best minds in the music business. “For over a decade, Telstra Road to Discovery has been committed to the development of Australia’s emerging music community at a grassroots level through music education, expertise and discovery,” said Ms Reeves. “This year we’re making it even easier for musicians across the country to enter by bringing the entry process completely online, and we’ll also be enticing new genres of musicians to the program with an interactive Master Class,” continued Ms Reeves.

The Telstra Road to Discovery Master Class series will also return for a third year in October, providing aspiring artists with direct access to some of the most influential names in the industry, and advice on developing their music career.

Australian music legend, singer-songwriter and longtime mentor of the program Ella Hooper, said Telstra Road to Discovery offers a genuine path for artists looking to break into the industry. “Mentoring young artists is a big part of what Telstra Road to Discovery is all about, each year attracting renowned artists, managers, producers and experts who all provide crucial advice and expertise to developing artists. Telstra Road to Discovery opens doors for artists like no other program. If you are an aspiring musician, or know of someone trying to get their foot in the door, this is a great opportunity to do so,” said Ms Hooper.

Entries are now open and close on Sunday 23rd August 2015. For more information on the entry criteria, visit www.telstra.com/trtd.