South Australia to invest in public schools music education strategy

The South Australian Government is to invest $5.12 million over the next four years into improving the delivery of music education in public schools and providing greater pathways for students to pursue further study and careers in the music industry.

Working in partnership with instrumental music and classroom teachers, the University of Adelaide's Elder Conservatorium of Music, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and various state music bodies, the South Australian Government will set out a strategy to support public school students to pursue careers in music-related fields within South Australia.

This strategy will link in with the instrumental music program which provides music tuition free of charge to students from years 3 to 12. The program is currently offered through 19 government schools and their outreach schools across the state, and caters to more than 7500 students.

The number of students accessing music through the instrumental music program has increased by 26% since 2015.

Introducing the strategy, South Australian Education and Child Development Minister Susan Close advised “music provides a myriad of positive benefits within education settings. It helps develop basic cognitive and learning skills, lifts literacy and numeracy standards and is also used to build social inclusion and reduce disadvantage.

“Insight from educators and music professionals will help us to map out ways to further build on our schools’ capacity to teach music, and encourage students to identify employment pathways to confidently pursue careers in music.

“With Adelaide being home to a thriving live music industry, a UNESCO City of Music, and a leading performance and creative industries hub in Australia, training the next generations of creators and performers is essential.”

Director of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide, Professor Graeme Koehne, added “a the premier music education institution in the State, we welcome this initiative to further develop excellence in music education and to drive opportunities for careers in music and related industries.

“We recognise the proven benefits of music as part of a well-rounded education, and the correlation of students' high academic attainment with studying music in school.

“This partnership also helps to celebrate Adelaide’s UNESCO City of Music status, and affirms the role that creative industries play in modern economies and future vocational opportunities.” 

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