National Review of Music Education in Schools

April 17, 2005

This submission is made in the knowledge that an expert review team has been employed for an extended period in researching the practice of music education in Australia and abroad. It therefore has not been thought necessary to provide extensive references, although these are present where there is a possibility that new knowledge is being added. We would be happy to substantiate points made here, upon request of the review team.

This submission deals with the following issues:

The context for change

The broad relevance of, and benefits accruing from a school music education: individual, institutional, national/economic

The need for universal provision and the essential role of schools

The need for expert teachers and teacher training

Approaches that might elevate music among the curriculum choices of school systems

Specific issues around the effective inclusion of music in the school program

Cultural diversity in the community requires diversity of choice in music education, carrying forward the heritage and creating the future

The need for school programs to interact with the community and recognise that school age children may also receive music education in the community

The need for community support

The website for the Review is www.schoolmusicreview.edu.au

Read the submission