About Rocking the Nation
Harwyn Rocking the Nation began with one simple idea. Give students the space to imagine, create, perform, and be extraordinary.
And there’s more to play for…
The winning school will receive a Harwyn Music Pod valued at over $100,000, plus a $25,000 music gear voucher for the band members to keep on rocking long after the encore!
At its heart, the competition is about possibility.
What happens when students are given the chance to make some noise, take the stage and discover what they’re really capable of.
Launched by Harwyn in 2025, Rocking the Nation gives young musicians a national platform to shine, while celebrating the essential role of music education in shaping confident, connected learners.
Why Harwyn started Rocking the Nation
At Harwyn, we build more than classrooms. We build spaces that spark creativity.
Musician and Harwyn Founder Jason Fremder started Rocking the Nation to bring rock and contemporary music off the sidelines, and celebrate the confidence, collaboration, and creativity they inspire.
Harwyn’s modular music pods and classrooms are designed to amplify imagination and possibility every day. Rocking the Nation brings that same vision to life on stage.
A night that changed the stage for school music
From nine schools across the nation to one unforgettable grand final, relive the moment that started it all.
Rocking The Nation 2025
Australian schools truly rocked.
Our debut year saw nine finalist schools take the stage at Monash University’s Alexander Theatre for an unforgettable finale.
Guided by a panel of legendary Australian musicians, including Deborah Conway, Joe Camilleri and Simon Starr, it was a celebration of talent, creativity, and showmanship.
Congratulations to our 2025 champions
Spice Boyz from Siena Catholic College!
Their performance brought the house down and earned their school a Harwyn Music Pod valued at over $100,000, along with $25,000 in musical instruments for the band members.
Relive the 2025 magic.
Explore the full lineup of finalists, judges, and standout performances from our first-ever Harwyn Rocking the Nation.
Ready to rock in 2026?
We’re only just getting started…
The 2026 competition will take Harwyn Rocking the Nation even further. More schools, more music, more inspiration.
Students, music teachers, school leaders: This is your chance to get involved in a national competition that celebrates talent, teamwork, and the transformative impact of music.
