2024: A Milestone Year for Advancing Music Education
2024 has seen encouraging progress, marked by advances across multiple jurisdictions, significant original research, expanded collaboration, and national media attention. In NSW, we engaged with the Parliamentary Inquiry, working closely with cross-sector stakeholders on our ask, submissions and engaging with policy-makers as the Inquiry progressed. In SA, we launched the ACER Primary Teacher’s Survey results; we met with policymakers in Victoria, and groundwork was laid for upcoming activities in the ACT. As we enter 2025 under the patronage of Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC, we transition from the establishment phase of our strategic plan to execution, building on solid foundations.
Other highlights this year include:
ACER NSW Primary Teacher’s Survey – co-funded by Sound NSW, this first baseline data collection on music delivery in NSW public primary schools was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Education and the NSW Teachers Federation. The findings were shared with the Joint Select Committee to inform their deliberations, with early findings referenced in their Inquiry report [pg. 43]. We’ll release the results publicly early next year.
(From left): Music Education: Right from the Start’s Emily Albert, Eric Sidoti and Anita Collins, with Advisory Group member Louise Barkle, and Music In Me’s Bernie Heard, ahead of presenting to the Joint Select Committee on Arts and Music Education and Training in NSW.
NSW Inquiry – Our submission to the cross-party Joint Select Committee on Arts and Music Education and Training in NSW – a key step in the Labor government’s pre-election commitment to quality music education – calls for a delivery framework focused on building teacher capacity, setting clear standards, mandating 60 minutes of music weekly for every child, and establishing clear targets.
ACER SA Primary Teacher’s Survey – In May, SA Minister for Education, The Hon. Blair Boyer MP, launched our latest research, co-funded by the Department of Education and the Day Family Foundation, at Adelaide’s The Pines School, alongside the announcement of a further $7.5 million towards music education in the state.
Backing Teachers Framework – Our latest resource offers solutions to building the capacity of generalist and specialist teachers to confidently deliver quality music education, as is promised by the Australian curriculum.
Music Education: Right from the Start’s Dr Anita Collins presented at the Australian Youth Orchestra’s inaugural Music in Me Summit.
Broad engagement – We expanded collaborations with industry, government, and other key stakeholders through numerous meetings and briefings. Speaking at key industry events, we also supported the call for equal access to music education at ACMF’s celebration of music at NSW Parliament; joined a conversation on the transformational impact of music at the inaugural AYO Music in Me Summit, and saw the music industry reaffirm its belief that quality music education is the foundation of a thriving sector at the AMA Industry Leadership Summit.
Strategy review
As we move into 2025, we are confident in having laid strong foundations during the first three years of our strategic plan. We shift now to securing firm commitments to the delivery of quality music education, including equitable access. Our music education strategy focuses on cross-sector collaboration and evidence-based advocacy to drive systemic change. We sincerely thank the voluntary members of our Advisory, Advocacy and Knowledge Base working groups for their time, support, and invaluable advice.
(From left): Music Education: Right from the Start’s Alicia Neil, Eric Sidoti, Emily Albert, with SA Department of Education’s Nicholas Birch and principal of Adelaide’s The Pines School Toula Girgolas, at the launch of our ACER SA Primary Teacher’s Survey.
Farewell Eric Sidoti – We’re sad to announce that after a productive four years, our project lead Eric will be leaving his role with the initiative at the end of 2024. Thank you, Eric, for your wisdom, support and guidance which have been instrumental in building a solid foundation and setting the strategic direction for the initiative. Eric’s policy knowledge, affable manner, and ability to navigate complex stakeholders and systems have been crucial in establishing Music Education: Right from the Start as a respected advocacy initiative and bridge builder. He will be greatly missed. We look forward to introducing you to our new project lead in the new year.
As we approach the festive season, we gathered with members of our working groups to reflect on what has been a momentous year and the progress made in advancing music education. This gathering also offered a chance to explore exciting opportunities already taking shape for 2025.
Simply put, we’re all feeling buoyed by recent developments, conscious of the challenges ahead and as determined as ever.
