Learning music as a child has untold benefits, yet music education is contracting in Australia. So what are we actually investing in when we put money and resources into teaching music? Anita Collins discusses how impactful it can be for each and every student at a range of different schools.
Conversations like these come at a time when music education in Australia appears to be contracting rapidly. Whether programs are being diminished due to the need for more time for literacy and numeracy, or because of the commandeering of music education time for wellbeing programs, or the dilution of specific music education in favour of a broader Arts education approach, we are sitting on the...
Perhaps it isn’t news to readers of this magazine, however, WASO has selected two primary schools for free music lessons for a whole of student body. The process of teaching is inspired by the El Sistema concept – Music For Social Change – the motto. And now the supportive research is in after the first 5 years. Benefit flows throughout every aspect of the two schools. My own passion to support these children to develop a range of skills, all of which require self confidence and attention to each other within the school environment, is based on observation at a number of their performances over their first five years. The changes in attitude and skill are as evident as the research has now proved. Including noticing a minimal parental attendance has become a committed and supportive family environment. Those of us who were lucky to have had music lessons in our homes and in our schools were given a gift that every child deserves.