Charity steps in to provide music education in schools
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Matt Zarb from the Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) delivers weekly music sessions to students at Taree Public School in New South Wales, Australia, filling a gap in education where public schools typically don’t employ dedicated music teachers until year 7.
The ACMF provides instruments and targets regional, remote, and disadvantaged primary schools, relying on donations and fundraising to operate. Students like Cooper Hamilton-Riley enjoy the program, gaining confidence and a stronger connection to Biripi culture through songwriting and performance.
The ACMF advocated for improved music education in a 2024 submission to a parliamentary inquiry, leading to 30 recommendations for changes over the next decade. These recommendations include training primary school teachers in music and fostering partnerships between schools and arts organisations. The New South Wales government plans to release a 10-year plan for primary school music education soon.
Researchers, including Anita Collins at the University of Canberra, have found that music education enhances brain development, improving language and mathematical skills. While the ACMF successfully increased student attendance at Kempsey South Public School by 13.6 per cent from 2022 to 2024, Zarb and school principals believe the education system should fully fund these programs rather than rely on charities.
Taree Public School saw attendance rates match the state average of 90 per cent in September 2024 after the program began in 2014.
