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Joint Media Release
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MINISTER FOR
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TRAINING
THE HON DR BRENDAN NELSON MP |
MINISTER FOR
THE ARTS AND SPORT
SENATOR THE HON ROD KEMP |
THE FUTURE OF SCHOOL MUSIC EDUCATION -
NATIONAL REVIEW FINDS NEED FOR HIGHER STANDARDS AND GREATER CONSISTENCY
21 November 2005 MIN 2045/05
School music education in Australia has been found to be of inconsistent quality and not equally available in all schools across the country, according to the findings of a national review into music education released today.
The report of the National Review of School Music Education follows the decision by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson MP and Senator the Hon. Rod Kemp, Minister for the Arts and Sport, to jointly establish the Review to investigate the status and quality of music education in Australian schools and to examine how we can enhance school music for the benefit of all students.
Murdoch University’s Centre for Learning, Change and Development (CLCD) led an expert national team to undertake the Review with the Steering Committee chaired by Professor Margaret Seares AO, and was supported by a specialist group of ‘Critical Friends’.
The report highlighted the issue of quality, noting that:
“... while the submissions and surveys revealed some fine examples of school music programmes, they also reveal cycles of neglect and inequity which impacts to the detriment of too many young Australians, particularly those in geographically and socially disadvantaged areas.”
(Professor Margaret Seares, Chair of the Steering Committee, Foreword, Report of the National Review of School Music Education)
The perceived ‘value’ and status of music education was also found to be of concern;
“Respondents’ descriptions demonstrate the stark variation in the quality and status of music education in this country.”
(Report of the National Review of School Music Education, pg 63.)
The Review findings also found that:
- many children are missing out on quality music education experiences, or are simply missing out on music altogether;
- many generalist primary teachers lack the confidence and skills to teach music and need more support;
- schools need more support for music facilities and equipment; and
- there needs to be stronger partnerships between schools, the community and industry groups.
The Review was an important gauge of the music and education communities’ opinions and commitment to the issue, as evidenced by the volume of responses to it. More than 1,170 submissions and 4,700 ‘petitions’ and letters of support were received.
These submissions outline the significant challenge facing school music education - with 66% indicating that the quality is variable, poor or very poor, and 76% indicating that the status of music compared to other subjects is variable to very poor.
In his response to the report’s findings, Dr Nelson said, “It shouldn't matter where you live, your circumstances or the economic means of your family. Every child in this country has no less a right to learn how to play a musical instrument than they do to learn to read, write, count and communicate.”
“Music is for everyone, not just those children deemed gifted or whose parents have the financial means,” Dr Nelson added.
“The combination of creative arts and education helps to improve problem solving skills, team skills, self confidence and self esteem,” said Senator Kemp.
In order to build on the report’s valuable findings, Dr Nelson also announced that he will convene a National Music Education Summit to be held in the first half of 2006. The Summit will bring together music and education experts, parents and teachers, to discuss the Review’s recommendations and to develop a comprehensive and detailed response.
Dr Nelson will present the Report to State and Territory Ministers for their consideration and write to every school principal and peak parent group.
“In the interim, I will also ask Teaching Australia, formerly known as the National Institute for Quality Teaching and School Leadership (NIQTSL), to consider the Report of Music Education in its deliberations over a model for university teacher training,” Dr Nelson said.
Dr Nelson also announced funding of $100,000 a year for four years, to be provided to the Australian Society for Music Education for awards for outstanding music teachers and school leaders.
Music will be made a priority under the Australian Government’s $139 million Quality Teaching Programme. A further $500,000 will be committed to developing curriculum resources in priority areas.
“I look forward to working with my parliamentary colleague Dr Nelson, the Australia Council, my department as well as other organisations to consider the recommendations of the Review,” Senator Kemp said.
Both Ministers congratulated those who contributed to the Review, and thanked them for their commitment to music education in this country.
Incidentally, music education can expect a significant practical boost with the first stage announcement of the Howard Government’s $1 billion Investing in Our Schools Programme revealing a huge demand from school communities for assistance with their music facilities. More than $4 million will be provided in Round One for a range of new instrument purchases and music and performance room upgrades.
The Review report is available at: http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/school_education/publications_resources/profiles/school_music_education.htm
Media contacts:
Dr Nelson’s Office: Yaron Finkelstein 0414 927 663
Dept of Education, Science & Training: Laila Lacis 02 6240 9275
Senator Kemp’s Office: Michael Christo 0409 040 276
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