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 »

Awards

National Awards for Excellence in School Music Education reward exceptional contributions to music education. Closing date for nominations is 8 April. more »

Organisations

Australian Children's Music Foundation provides support prgrams for schools, the National Songwriting Competition and a Song Summit linking budding musicians with professional performers. more »

Resources

The Naxos Music Library is the world’s largest online music library and has introduced specially-created Australian secondary student study areas. more »

Conferences

Australian Music Therapy Assn National Conference, 20-21 September. 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. As well as diverse performances from students and teachers, local High Schools and student teachers joined in. more »

New Farm State School

The 2007 National winner of the Flame Awards is New Farm State School, Fortitude Valley, Queenland. "This is a school that understands that studying music helps literacy and numeracy and other academic achievement", said Awards judge Dr Richard Letts." 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 »