Lucinda Drabsch, a recent Bachelor of Songwriting and Music Production graduate has been awarded the Outstanding Arts, Education and Agritech Student of the Year 2025, recognising her exceptional achievements in music education and community building.
The 21-year-old student, originally from Canberra, transformed her passion for music creation into a thriving independent record label while completing her studies, demonstrating the practical application of skills learned through Melbourne Polytechnic's innovative music program.
Drabsch's musical journey began at age five when she started playing guitar, later developing her songwriting skills at 13. Despite facing discouragement from peers who questioned her decision to pursue music education in Melbourne, she remained committed to her artistic vision.
"I remember in high school, I told one of my friends that I was moving to Melbourne to do this degree, and he turned to me and said, 'You're going to fail. Why?'" recalls Drabsch. "This award shows me that hard work gets you places and that if you believe in yourself, it doesn't matter who doesn't believe in you."
Her decision to study at Melbourne Polytechnic was influenced by family recommendations about the institution's focus on individual student identity rather than just industry outcomes.
One of Drabsch's most significant achievements during the Bachelor of Songwriting and Music Production was launching Displaced Records, a Melbourne-based independent label focused on connecting artists who have relocated to Melbourne with the local music scene. The label emerged from coursework in the independent label class, which taught business skills essential for music industry success.
"Through the degree I've been given so many skills in networking, organisation and managing events, but also connecting into a wider variety of sources," explains Drabsch. "It's not every day you can say that you've held gigs for artists from Colombia, from Indonesia, from New Zealand."
The label represents more than just a business venture; it addresses the challenges faced by musicians new to Melbourne who struggle to find their place in the local scene. By providing performance opportunities and community connections, Displaced Records has become a platform for cultural diversity in Melbourne's music landscape.
What distinguished Drabsch as an outstanding student wasn't perfect grades or flawless submissions, but her authentic approach to learning and unwavering determination to improve.
"I definitely didn't get every single assignment in on time, and I definitely didn't always score as well as I wanted to," she admits. "But every time I did assessments, I made sure that what I was doing was what I loved, not what I thought someone else would want me to do."
Her lecturers recognised this authenticity, providing mentorship that extended beyond classroom instruction. They attended her label launch events and offered support during personal challenges, creating the supportive environment that Melbourne Polytechnic is known for fostering.
With her award recognition and successful label launch, Drabsch is planning to expand her impact internationally, with potential teaching opportunities in America on the horizon. Her future plans include continuing to develop Displaced Records while exploring how music can serve as a tool for identity formation and community building.
The Outstanding Arts, Education and Agritech Student of the Year award recognises students who demonstrate exceptional achievement in their field of study while making meaningful contributions to their community. Drabsch's combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to supporting fellow artists exemplifies these values.
Her success story demonstrates how Melbourne Polytechnic's Bachelor of Songwriting and Music Production program prepares students not just as musicians, but as industry leaders capable of creating positive change in the creative arts sector.
Congratulations Lucinda on your wonderful achievements.
Melbourne Polytechnic music students get hands-on learning, access to studios, gear and software, and perform live at leading venues through industry connections.