Music Education:
Right from the Start
A collaborative, national initiative led by Alberts | The Tony Foundation and driven by our collective belief in the power of music to change lives.
Vision
All Australian primary school children need, and have a right to a quality, sequential and ongoing music education.
Why now
Music Education: Right from the Start was born of a realisation that ending the vast inequity of access to music education across Australia, and of the significant benefits it brings, is within our reach.
Beyond its intrinsic value, substantial research evidences the significant learning and wellbeing benefits of a quality music education. In these challenging times, music education is an antidote and an educational booster in the same package.
Priorities
We recognise that the initiative’s vision invites deeper systemic change with a likely five-to-ten-year horizon. Our immediate focus is on what can be achieved now in building towards deeper change. We are looking to see real benefits for a progressively greater number of primary students over these years.
Our collaborative strength lies in research, policy development and advocacy. This work recognises the need to tailor our work to the circumstances in State jurisdictions, in addition to our efforts to improve relevant policy, frameworks and educational investment nationally.
Our initial priorities are to:
Back primary school teachers through access to high standards of professional learning and initial teacher education which provide the confidence and skills to deliver music learning
Support primary school leaders with the knowledge, tools and opportunities to implement quality music education in their schools;
Ensure that collaboration with a broader network of stakeholders is encouraged through the sharing of information and drawing on the available expertise and resources.
Building the ‘baseline data’ on music education in our primary schools: the number of students accessing music education; who is delivering it; and what is being taught.
Latest News
Collaborators
We work closely with individuals and organisations across education, the music industry, research, and philanthropy to drive change. We seek wherever possible to work with governments and are doing so through joint research, and the sharing of ideas, information and resources.
Stay informed
Get in touch to be kept up to date with news, events and opportunities to support quality music education in our primary schools.