On 21 November 2005 at the Sydney Conservatorium High School, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP, the then Minister for Education, Science and Training, with his colleague Senator the Hon Rod Kemp, Minister for the Arts and Sport, launched the report of National Review of School Music Education (see photos on this page). The Review was announced by Minister Nelson and Minister Kemp in March 2004 to investigate the quality and status of music education in Australian schools.
Research shows that music education provides powerful learning experiences for 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.
Murdoch University’s Centre for Learning, Change and Development (CLCD), led an expert team to undertake the Review on behalf of the Australian Government, to identify:
- The current quality of teaching and learning of music in Australian schools;
- Factors that affect the quality and status of teaching of music in Australian schools;
- Examples of best practice of teaching and learning of music both in Australian schools and schools overseas; and
- Key recommendations, principles and priorities for enhancing school music education.
Professor Margaret Seares AO, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Western Australia, chaired the Steering Committee for the Review. Key organisations from the music and education sectors were represented on the Committee and a circle of 'Critical Friends'.
The Review’s research included a: literature review; mapping of official curriculum documents; call for submissions; survey; and a series of site visits to schools recognised for effective music programmes. Guidelines have also been developed for providing effective school music programmes.
The Review findings and recommendations focus on the following issues:
- Status
- Access and equity
- Teacher education
- Curriculum policy, syllabus and support materials
- Support Services for music education
- Partnerships, connections and networking
- Facilitating effective music in schools, and
- Accountability
Download the National Review of School Music Education.