Striking a Chord - By Amalia Foy Collegian (TC ‘19)

How I overcame challenges and found my passion

Graduating in the class of 2019, I now study and work within the Melbourne music industry. Growing up at Toorak from Prep through to Year 12 really helped me nurture my creative passions. It not only gave me the opportunities to explore music through a multitude of different avenues, but also showed me what I can bring to the table as a woman in an industry that is all about sharing emotion and creating change. The Toorak community within the cloisters and the walls of the Toorak music department was an environment that I still refer to as my ultimate safe space; a space where I felt the most empowered to not only strive for unlimited creativity, but to use every opportunity to try something new. Fastrack to April 2022 and I am currently in an artist development recording deal with Red Door studios in Melbourne and working on my first EP of songs that I hope to be travelling overseas to promote in the near future. I also teach a student base of over 35 aspiring singers at Coach Music Academy.

My first major musical success occurred back in 2016 when I was the only female in the Top 4 Grand Final of X Factor. I couldn’t help but notice the gender bias directed towards the male majority, through not allowing me to pick the songs that I wanted to sing while asking me interview questions about my clothes and hobbies rather than my passion for singing and creating.

Throughout VCE, and the recent years I have been out of school, I have toured with the Australian Eurovision contestant Isaiah Firebrace and regularly perform at corporate and social entertainment events. It is a rare occurrence where I don’t have to stand up for myself as a woman, whether it be standing up to the all-male band who take over my mic check and performance time or fighting the manager for my correct amount of pay at the end of the night. In these moments, I really do appreciate the upbringing and education I had at Toorak.

In these instances, I make a conscious decision that I am the one who fuels my self empowerment to strive for what I am truly capable of. I pull strength from my alter ego; a powerful woman who is assertive and professionally stands up for what she believes in, who isn’t afraid of being criticised as a woman who knows what she wants. I started believing this woman was the most authentic version of myself. As we reflect on how external empowerment has shaped the way in which we lead our lives as women, we realise that it is the culmination of a promotive, like minded support system paired with an unwavering passion for what we do that ultimately creates our internal sense of inspiration and drive. I am excited for my future and for the futures of all the young women yet to graduate from Toorak. We, ourselves, are the change that sends waves of determination, passion and anticipation throughout the community - let’s watch it catch on!