After several years of advocacy, the Minns Government has announced a 10-year plan to ensure teachers are well supported and confident in delivering high-quality music education to every public primary and preschool student in NSW — Time for Music.
The national push to improve the quality of music provision in primary schools was an initiative of well-respected music industry pioneers Alberts which, in NSW, sought the advice and support of Federation and NSW Department of Education. Central to this initiative was advocacy to ensure that “high-quality sequential and ongoing music education” is provided in all public schools
A 2020 survey found that pre-service teachers were exposed to an average of just eight hours of music education during their university training. A meeting of stakeholders, called by Alberts, including former Federation president Maurie Mulheron representing the profession, joined with academics, music teachers and others to consider how primary school teachers could be better supported to deliver the music syllabus. The initiative became known as Music: Right from the Start. The honorary patron was Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC.
After receiving evidence from a range of people, including teachers, musicians, academics, students, philanthropic organisations and industry professionals, the working group determined that music needed to play a larger, more integral part in the education and development of young Australians.
Though Mr Mulheron retired from his presidency in 2020, senior Federation officers asked that he continue in his role with the working group. Several Officers have since helped with the campaign, including current Federation President Henry Rajendra, with Federation Executive endorsing the initiative.
Mr Mulheron said it was made clear to the Government that equitable access to quality, sequential and ongoing music education is a right of all Australian children.
“The research is clear: the delivery of sequential and ongoing music education delivers profound benefits for students. It positively impacts cognitive development and academic achievement across all subject areas. Just as importantly, other research provides evidence that it improves school engagement, student retention, attendance, while enhancing well-being, feelings of inclusion, and social growth,” Mr Mulheron said.
Campaign messaging hits the right chord
The initiative’s messaging hit the right chord, as the Time for Music announcement has promised to deliver better and fairer access to music lessons and musical activities for K–6 students, improving the quality and consistency of music education in NSW public primary schools.
The Government has committed to providing teachers with additional professional learning, as well as the tools and resources needed to support them in delivering music lessons, so every student has access to a high-quality music education.
Federation to hold Government to account on rollout
Mr Mulheron said the challenge, now, was to maintain pressure beyond the life of a parliamentary cycle. “We also need to convince the universities to provide much better preparation in their initial teacher education courses. The survey of teachers made that very clear,” he said.
Federation President Henry Rajendra is adamant the union will be there at every stage to ensure Federation members are upskilled to deliver music education rather than private providers.
Timeline set
Included in the “Building support” phrase of the 10-year plan is an instrument audit in schools in 2027.
Federation Research/Industrial Officer Tim Davis Frank said Federation had led the way in promoting music education, by engaging with the Department and Minister as well as running our popular Centre for Professional Learning professional learning in collaboration with Australian Youth Orchestra national manager Bernie Heard.
“In recognition of the quality of Federation’s Centre for Professional Learning (CPL) professional learning, as part of the Time for Music rollout, the Department will work with the CPL courses that support the teaching of music,” he said.
- More information on the research that underpins the initiative
- More information on the 10-year plan, Time for Music