The former James Sheahan Catholic High School student is now boarding at St Joseph's College in Sydney, a move that he says has helped his skills improve.

"I started playing when I was in Year 6 but I wasn't very good," he said.

"Since I've been at boarding school for the last two years though, I've had a lot of time to practice."

James has finished his HSC and will be practicing on his new Yamaha guitar, one of the prizes along with a digital piano and a portable PA system, that he won.

"The prizes will really help me kick-start my singing career," he said.

"I'm really lucky to get it all."

Another part of the prize is the opportunity to support Stonefield at an all-ages gig at the Orange Ex-Services' Club on Friday night. 

"I'm a big fan of Ben Howard and bands like Alt J and Sticky Fingers," James said.

"I'd like to play a few of my originals but I'm not sure if they're good enough yet, some of them need some work."

A regular performer at James Sheahan school performances, James will also be drawing on his shower singing skills to hone his performance.

"I've always enjoyed singing," he said.

"I've never had any formal lessons, but Trish Aumuller was a big help when I was rehearsing for the school shows."

Fifteen-year-old Ellie Flanagan, who will perform with James tonight, is from Wellington and first began playing the guitar when she was seven-years old.

She said the guitar she began playing with didn't really help her.

"My uncle gave me a second hand guitar but it couldn't be tuned," she said.

Perseverance though had its reward and after finding a teacher Ellie was encouraged to sing.

"My teacher said that I should sing as it would help me keep in time, I then discovered that I can actually sing," she said.

Both James and Ellie can be seen at the Orange Ex-Services' Club when they support Stonefield at an all ages gig that kicks off at 7pm on Friday night.