Val Moogz (Project Alchemy participant, Hannah Matysek) is an Australian songwriter and recording artist based in the Eurobodalla Shire on Yuin Country. Drawing upon diverse musical influences ranging from Patti Smith’s powerful rock poetry to Bill Withers’ great songs of soul, to the acoustic surf pop lullabies of Jack Johnson, Val Moogz finds inspiration in their daily encounters with others, nature and self to create relatable, heartfelt songs for everyone.

A theme consistent with their music and live performance is the significance of community and friendship, and through Project Alchemy, the Val Moogz School of Joy was launched in September of 2023. The Val Moogz School of Joy ran 15 beginner music workshops for Adults, Teens and Children based in Eurobodalla over three weeks, attracting over 130 participants from Batemans Bay, Narooma and the surrounding areas. The primary focus of the workshops was to cultivate joy and connection through community and the shared experience of learning guitar and drumming basics.

With overwhelming participant response for ongoing music workshops and learning opportunities, the Val Moogz School of Joy continues to exist to facilitate workshops and collaborate with others to share in activities and events that will contribute to a wider sense of joy, connection, and creative expression in the Eurobodalla shire and beyond.