Funding instrumental to education outcomes

Successful applicants have previously used the funding to purchase instruments, upskill teachers, start or strengthen collaborative programs, or engage musicians and music organisations.

This is the fourth round of the Music Innovation Fund since the launch of the Music Education Strategy in 2018.
So far $736,000 has been allocated to 104 government schools, preschools and external music and creative organisations.

Minister for Education John Gardner said music education is important to children and young people’s educational and social development.

“The benefits of music education are far-reaching. Music programs in schools help increase language and literacy skills, as well as building social inclusion and improved wellbeing,” Gardner said.

Gardner said early exposure to music means those social, behavioural and academic benefits continue throughout a child’s schooling.

“The opportunities are boundless for educators and organisations to work harmoniously together to create and sustain quality music education programs for every child and young person in public education in South Australia,” he said.

“I strongly encourage those who are eligible to apply and make music a defining factor in our world-class education ambition in South Australia.”

The fund is part of the state government’s Music Education Strategy 2019 to 2029, setting out South Australia’s long-term vision that all children and young people have access to high-quality music education throughout their schooling.

So that aspiring teachers can help in achieving this vision the strategy is also delivering fully funded music education workshops for undergraduate students at Flinders University and UniSA.

The series of free “taster” workshops, aimed at those pursuing a career as a primary teacher or early years educator, will be delivered by some of Australia’s leading music associations and will provide an introduction to key music education concepts.