Leonard Cohen’s famous line, “I was born like this, I had no choice/I was born with the gift of a golden voice,” could equally be applied to BSSC Year 12 student, Ryan McPartlane.

Music is in Ryan’s genes. Both his parents are musicians, as are his siblings. In fact, his twin brothers competed on The Voice as 16-year-olds and got to semi-finals. They are now professional musicians.

Although his parents hoped he would take music seriously, he never felt pushed or obliged and is actively pursuing his love of singing and guitar on his own terms.

He began learning guitar at 10 years of age, but sees himself mainly as a singer.

A key moment in the many stepping stones building his skills and capacity—“the thing that really got me gigging”—occurred when Ryan was just 13 years old and entered Bendigo’s RAW Arts Awards.

He didn’t win, however well-known musician and gig organiser, Colin Thompson, noticed him and gave Ryan his card, later sending important opportunities his way.

“My first gig was a solo at Handlebar. After this, people began contacting me and the gigs rolled in.”

Ryan was part of the Academy of Creative Arts at BSE and during Year 10 he and others formed the band, ‘Funkle’. (Perhaps you saw them on the stage in Bull Street as part of 2024 Bendigo Easter Fair?)

“That gig was so much fun,” Ryan remembers. “It was so hot but a big stage with tons of people watching, it was so good.”

Later in 2024, the band competed for a chance to play in the ‘Always Live’ concert, ‘Garage Band’ to be held in Federation Square. Funkle and 19 other bands were successful and sang and played their hearts out in the middle of Melbourne that December.

“I’m so grateful for the people around me who care about me and want me to succeed—Mum and Dad have truly nurtured and supported me, as have the wider family, my girlfriend, and other friends.”

BSSC has also been a good place for Ryan, and he often recommends the college to others. It’s opened him up to playing with new musicians which has been great for his development.

“Ash is such a supportive music teacher, and it’s been really cool playing on the Ulumbarra stage at important college events.

“Music is now like a second language for me. Playing at gigs feels effortless and makes me so happy.”

Unsurprising, VET Music is a favourite subject which he describes as, “a really freeing thing”.

Not someone with a set routine, Ryan finds his best work happens when he’s really keen. “It’s fresh and feels natural,” he says.

“Yes, there are deadlines, but it’s so enjoyable having a band rehearsal three times each week with freedom to do what you want to. Freedom is also the word I would use to describe BSSC in general,” he says.

“It’s not that it’s relaxing—it’s more about being able to prepare for what’s coming up in the ways that work for you—and being able to use frees to prepare for SACs is brilliant.”

Ryan’s study method is to be on his own, airpods in, with music playing in the background.

“I tend to keep working on something if I’m in the zone. When I get stressed it’s always back to music. I also love watching sport and I play a bit of basketball.”

While music is a fave, Ryan enjoys all his subjects and has particularly appreciated the way Theatre Studies students have welcomed him into the group, given he didn’t take 1/2 Theatre Studies.

Ryan had a great acting role in the recent performance of ‘The Crucible’. However, this subject is not only about acting. It’s about everything to do with theatre: sets, sound, lighting, backstage.

“I worked with the sound team and brainstormed the way we would present the audio. It was a cool process. I think music and sound really lets an audience know the direction a play is going.”

An awesome opportunity came when one of his professional muso brothers needing someone to fill in for him. Ryan worked hard to master the three-hour songlist, then flew up to Brisbane.

“It was actually horrifying—because I wanted to do well—but also a really really great opportunity.”

There were around 500 people in the bar that night and Ryan says it was great experience.

Looking to his future, Ryan says if he can’t ‘pay the rent’ with music, he will take a second job—but hopes to always earn his living from gigging in some form.

With a long-term dream is to be a professional musician, there are many roads and types of careers on offer—from wedding singer to sound engineer. Ryan wants to get some kind of tertiary qualification too and is considering a music production course.

“I am aware there is also a certain amount of luck in who gets the big breaks.”

Despite Year 12 demands and Ryan’s immersion in music, he is not oblivious to issues in the wider world.

“People are so divided and don’t seem to realise it. Of course, there’s always division, but some of the stupid things people fight about on social media is, well, stupid.”

Imagining being able to talk with his younger self, Ryan says, “There’s so much I want to tell him—and yet wouldn’t, because we all need to go through life and ride the bumps: you can’t be successful without lows.

“One thing I would tell him, ‘Keep your family and friends close’.”