MUSIC EDUCATION TAKES CENTRE STAGE

26 March, 2004 MIN 657/04 

The Australian Government today announced that it will commission a national Review of School Music Education to investigate the quality and status of music education in our schools and how we can increase both for the benefit of all students.

Music education provides powerful learning experiences for our children and has the potential to assist them in achieving diverse and valuable educational outcomes. Music education stimulates multiple skills and connects with all children regardless of background.

“An early understanding and appreciation for music can play an important role in the development of a student’s other learning competencies, often inspiring an interest throughout their lives,” Dr Nelson said.

Research commissioned by the Music Council of Australia (MCA) in collaboration with the Australian Society for Music Education and co-funded by the Australian Music Association (AMA) and the Australia Council, Trends in School Music Provision in Australia, reports that there is little information available on the provision of school music education.

The AMA concluded from the report’s findings that as few as 23% of government school students may have access to music at school. In contrast, 87% of respondents to the AMA’s national survey, Australians’ Attitudes to Music, believe that every child should have the opportunity to study music in school.

Senator Kemp said that, “a comprehensive review of school music education will determine the current quality and status of music education in Australian schools, and tell us where the ‘gaps’ are; what we are doing right with music education in schools and how we could do it better.”

Professor Margaret Seares AO has agreed to chair the steering committee for the Review. Professor Seares, the Deputy Vice Chancellor at The University of Western Australia, will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Review.

Key organisations from the music and education sectors will soon be invited to join the committee and to participate in the Review.




Media Contact:
Dr Nelson’s Office: Ross Hampton 0419 484 095
Dept of Education, Science & Training: Virginia Cook 0412 971 323

Senator Kemp’s Office: Richard Wise 0438 204 554