music education
in  australia

Welcome to Ensemble: Music Education in Australia

There is much discussion around Australia (and overseas) about what role music should play in the curricular system of education. Experts agree that music education is invaluable and delivers unique outcomes, but comment seems always to focus on the lack of resources, opportunities and policy support. It is now proposed that music education in schools could make way for more "serious" subjects.

And yet, in the midst of this debate, thousands of students, parents, teachers and principals are getting on with learning and teaching music in our schools. This website is focused on recognising their efforts, acknowledging their challenges and celebrating their successes, and supporting them to continue to develop music education in Australia. more »

Music – Count Us In

More than 1,200 schools & communities around Australia are working towards the big day: Thursday 2 September 2010. more »

Activism

The School Music Action Group (sMAG) was formed in Victoria to unify the music education sector and its stakeholders. more »

Opinion

Chris Nicholls on why Australia needs the kind of El Sistema-type program the Australian Children's Music Foundation is starting. more »

Events

5th World Summit on Arts and Culture will be held in Melbourne 3-6 October 2011. more »

VCA Secondary School

The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) is a leading state government secondary school of talented young dancers and musicians.

It is open to Year 7-12 students throughout Melbourne, regional centres, nationally and internationally, and is considered to be a leading school for young dancers and musicians. more »

Carlton North Primary School

While the Melbourne International Arts Festival was buzzing around town, Carlton North Primary School joined the performance spirit and conducted a three-day extravaganza of their own: The Lee St 'Rhythm of Life' Performing Arts Festival. Local High Schools and student teachers joined in. more »
   

National Review of School Music Education

In March 2004, the Australian Government announced a National Review of School Music Education. A team led by Murdoch University undertook the Review on behalf of the Australian Government.

The study included a literature review, call for submissions, site visits, national survey and curriculum mapping to determine the current quality and status of music education in Australian schools. download report »