Peak Music associations welcome the Labor announcements
towards improving Music Education Delivery across Victoria and the financial
commitment of approx $2M. Direct
initiatives toward teacher PD, teacher undergraduate training and provision of
musical equipment to schools will go a long way towards improving student
outcomes.
Music Australia, Australia’s peak music body welcomes the
recent announcement by Victorian Opposition Leader, Daniel Andrews, that the
Musical Futures program will be rolled out in Victorian schools if Labor is
successful at the November state election.
“We are delighted there is a commitment to improve music
education in Victorian schools” said Music Australia CEO Chris Bowen.
“This new music initiative proposed for the State’s schools will complement and
extend current provision and provide increase equity and opportunities for
Victoria students.”
“Research has clearly shown that quality school music
improves students results across literacy and numeracy areas, improves student
behaviour and wellbeing, and enriches all involved. The State of Victoria will
be a clear beneficiary if these new initiatives are implemented.“
“Musical Futures Australia is an existing Music Australia
partner, and we are confident that this initiative, if implemented, will make a
demonstrable difference to music education in Victorian schools. This is the logical conclusion of a thorough
and very well developed process driven by the State Parliamentary Inquiry into
music education.”
The announcement in fact represents a substantial response
to the Inquiry into the Extent, Benefits
and Potential of Music Education in Victorian Schools released earlier this
year. In particular, it focuses on seven
of the inquiry’s recommendations aimed at supporting teachers and schools.
A spokesperson for the School Music Action Group, said that,
“a significant number of the recommendations from the Victorian music inquiry
focused on supporting teachers, through additional training and support. This Labor response to the Inquiry provides
that support especially for teachers in rural and regional locations, and those
working in disadvantaged schools where professional development opportunities
are limited.”
“Most important is the support being offered to primary
teachers through increased professional learning through both pre-service and
in service training. The investment in
teachers is most welcome and will lead to much improved student access and
program quality over time. Funding
schools to purchase sometimes expensive musical equipment is a great
initiative.”
Robert Walker, the Executive Officer of the Australian Music
Association (AMA) also welcomed today’s announcement. Walker said, “the AMA was originally
responsible for the introduction of Musical Futures into Australia. We had observed its early success in the UK
and felt that it had a place here in Australia.
The fact that it offers all
students the opportunity to participate in engaging, relevant and authentic
music learning was central to its appeal.”
“The fact that Musical Futures is also affordable and
sustainable for schools means that the program when implemented should have a
long lasting impact.”
“Daniel Andrews and his team should be congratulated for
recognising the value that high quality music education can bring to Victorian
students, schools and the community.”
Contacts:
Music Australia Chris
Bowen 0409 326 403
Australian Music Association , Robert Walker, 0438 564 960
Music Australia
is a 50-member national peak music organisation for Australia and the only body
in the country devoted to music in its entirety. As a national umbrella body
our activities span education, community and the professional industry,
delivering campaigns, information, resources, sector networking, community engagement,
and participation and demonstration projects. Our members include major
national music and educational organisations, and people from all areas of
music, and actively contribute to expert Advisory and Working Groups. Our
school music program Music: Count Us In reaches more than 2,000 schools and
500,000 students across Australia, and provides professional development in
music to thousands of teachers.
The School Music Action Group is a
community advocacy group that believes that every child attending Victorian schools should have access to a quality
music education that is taught by expertly trained specialist teachers, with
protected specialist time protected by legislation.
The
Australian Music Association is the
industry body for the music products sector – wholesalers, manufacturers,
retailers and associated services for musical instruments, pro audio, print
music, lighting and computer music. It
is a passionate advocate for music education and its members support, donate to
and sponsor a significant number of music education activities through Victoria
and Australia each year.
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