Kindness Connects: Meet The Vocal Muster

Published on 23 June 2026

The Vocal Muster - Removing Barriers and Opening Doors for Young Singers

Another home-grown, not-for-profit to be proud of, The Vocal Muster is helping young people across the Southern Highlands find much more than their singing voice. 

The Vocal Muster builds confidence, self-esteem and a strong sense of belonging through mentoring and performance opportunities for young people aged 12 to 18 who share a passion for music. 

The Vocal Muster was born from a chance encounter in 2018, when Richard Lane heard a talented young busker performing in Moss Vale and learned that their family couldn't afford singing lessons. 

"That conversation stuck with me," Richard said. "It made me realise there were probably a lot of talented young voices throughout the Southern Highlands who wanted to sing but just couldn't get the chance." 

Importantly, The Vocal Muster eliminates cost barriers through fully funded participation, ensuring opportunity is based on passion and potential rather than financial means.

Now in its eighth year, The Vocal Muster has empowered 407 participants and delivered over 162 community performances across the Southern Highlands and surrounding regions.  

Richard describes The Vocal Muster as "a sporting musical organisation", offering many of the same benefits that young people gain through sport. 

"The Vocal Muster provides proper training, regular performance opportunities, clear goals and real milestones to work towards," he said. "Alongside that, we're building their self-esteem, confidence and positive mental health." 

For Richard, some of the most rewarding moments come from seeing the young performers support one another. 

"It's never just about singing. It's about becoming the best person you can be," he said. 

"What really moves the team is watching the cohort show up for each other. When one of their own is struggling, the group doesn't leave them behind. They pick them up." 

Like many community organisations, The Vocal Muster relies on sponsors, mentors and volunteers to continue its work, and Richard remains focused on the impact it has on young people. 

"What keeps us going is seeing young people come in nervous and leave confident," said Richard.  

The Vocal Muster welcomes community support through attendance, event bookings and sharing its work online. For any young person hesitating, Richard's message is simple: "The hardest thing you'll do is walk through the door. Everything after that is easy." 

For young people ready to find more than their singing voice, and for the community that wants to help them do it, the first step is to visit The Vocal Muster   

Council is proud to celebrate local community organisations like The Vocal Muster through the Kindness Connects series, recognising the people and groups helping build a more inclusive and connected Wingecarribee Shire. 

Get your group listed! Do you run a local club, service, charity or community event? Add it to Council's MyShire Community Directory so more people can find the support and activities available across the Southern Highlands.