Music Education: Right from the Start

Don't miss out – applications for our Senior Manager - Advocacy & Strategy position close this Friday, 1 November! We’re looking for a highly-organised, self-directed individual adept at navigating complex political and educational ecosystems, and committed to driving systems change. This part-time role based in Sydney (hybrid), is an exciting opportunity for a senior professional to help propel our collaborative national initiative into its second phase, and shape a quality music education for every primary school child. If you, or someone you know, is interested, please refer to the job ad for more details: https://lnkd.in/guFRerhg

Developed in close consultation with our working group members, 'Backing Teachers' aims to help schools and government education systems plan effectively for the professional development of their teaching staff – ensuring that every Australian student receives quality, ongoing, and sequential music education delivered by appropriately trained, competent, confident, and well-supported teachers. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g4Ku35aY

At the inaugural Australian Music Association Industry Leadership Summit, the local music industry rallied behind our call for quality, sequential and ongoing music education, recognising the importance of improved teacher training, qualified specialists, and dedicated classroom time and resources to ensure all Australian primary school children receive access to the transformative benefits of music learning. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gK2Zk6mu A big thank you to AMA's Executive Officer Alex Masso, a valued member of our Advisory Group, for inviting us to participate in this vital conversation. Cc: Emily Albert Eric Sidoti

At an inspiring celebration of the power of music education at NSW Parliament House this week, hosted by the The Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) and President of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin, our own Emily Albert joined ACMF founder Don Spencer OAM and ambassador ROB MILLS on stage to unite in addressing cross-party MPs, educators and advocates in the call for equal access to music learning for all children: Read more: https://lnkd.in/g-_gK5Mg Thank you to ACMF, our Tony Foundation partner, and the students of Lalor Park Public School's Star band for a wonderful evening showcasing the transformative power of music! Cc: Frances Georgeson Rory Alcock Eric Sidoti Dr Anita Collins Ingrid Albert

On Tuesday night, we had the privilege of holding our Celebration of Music event at the Parliament of NSW, showcasing the work we do in such a prestigious setting. With ACMF Ambassador Rob Mills as host, together with The Hon Ben Franklin, MLC, President of the Legislative Council, the event started off with ACMF Teaching Musician Rachel playing her cello and we heard a heartfelt speech from Rachel, too. This was followed by a performance from students in the STA (Success Through Arts) Band at Lalor Park Public School playing with Australia's most recorded guitarist and ACMF Board Member Peter Northcote; a meaningful discussion from Lalor Park Public School Captain Obie and Principal Dee on the impact and difference music has made; a performance from TikTok sensation and former winner of the ACMF National Songwriting Competition Bailey Pickles; a keynote address by Emily Albert, Executive Director at Alberts who addressed the audience on the importance of a quality, sequential music education and the contrasting situation in independent vs public primary schools in the provision of music education; and last but not least, ACMF Founder Don Spencer OAM spoke about why he founded the Foundation and the power and transformative impact music has on the lives of children. The evening ended with a performance of Australia by Don Spencer OAM who was joined on stage by Lalor Park Public School's STA Band. We are incredibly grateful to the supporters, stakeholders, friends of the ACMF, and NSW Members of Parliament who attended our Celebration of Music event. The success of the night wouldn't have been the same without you. A huge thank you to The Hon Ben Franklin for your passion and belief in the work of the Australian Children’s Music Foundation.

We’ve had a fantastic response to the ACER NSW Primary Teachers Survey, with over 700 principals and teachers from 96 schools (right on target!) sharing their insights into the current state of music learning in their classrooms! We’re busy analysing the data and will soon be submitting our findings to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Arts and Music Education and Training, ahead of the Joint Select Committee handing down their report on 13 December. Australian Council for Educational Research and the partnership group are pulling out all stops to have the survey insights available to the Committee in good time for their consideration. This data will offer a comprehensive picture of the level of expertise, required training, resources, and facilities across our schools, shedding light on the key factors that impact the equity and quality of music education delivery throughout NSW.

👉 We're hiring! We are looking for an Advocacy & Strategy Specialist, adept at navigating the complex political and educational ecosystems, to join our team and drive this initiative into its second phase. Know any highly-organised, self-directed individuals committed to systems change and with a belief in the transformative power of music learning? Please send them our way! Dr Anita Collins Eric Sidoti Alberts Music Education: Right from the Start #MusicEducation #Advocacy #SystemsChange #Policy

We're looking for an Advocacy & Strategy specialist to drive this collaborative, national initiative as we enter phase 2 of our strategy, building on our current momentum to ensure every Australian child has access to a quality, sequential and ongoing music education.   At a time when Australian schooling is confronting great inequity in access to learning and uneven outcomes, it is our conviction that music education has a significant role to play. Backed by research and experience, the provision of music education ticks all the boxes: educational attainment, equity, student health and well-being, education participation and engagement. Applications close on Friday 25 October 2024. Details in the ad below:

We are thrilled to celebrate Dr Jason Goopy, a valued member of our Advisory and Knowledge Base Working Groups. As Lecturer and Coordinator of Secondary & Instrumental Music Education at Perth's Edith Cowan University, President of the Australian Society for Music Education (ASME), and Education Committee Convenor and Immediate Past President of Kodály Australia, Jason provides deep insights into the transformative power of music education, with his research bridging music, education, and psychology. A talented musician in his own right, he has extensive experience and leadership across school, university and community music settings, and we are proud to collaborate with such a dedicated educator and leader. Congratulations, Jason! #MusicEducationRightfromtheStart

Why does music learning matter? Speaking at the 2022 launch of our initiative, Dr Anita Collins highlighted the transformative impact of quality music education on children’s development — including boosting learning capacity, supporting reading and numeracy skills, and fostering personal wellbeing & social connections. In NSW schools, we are currently surveying educators from 100 government primary schools to assess teachers' confidence and competence in delivering music education. This research is crucial for assisting governments in driving improvements in the delivery of quality music education, and takes us closer to improved student outcomes with all children receiving access to its wide-ranging benefits. Our ACER Primary Teachers Survey is part of NSW Labor’s pre-election commitment. Check if your school has been selected to participate and help make a difference in shaping the national picture of primary school music education! Hear from Anita: https://lnkd.in/gYny96tQ