Labor believes that all children should be given the opportunity to learn how to play a musical instrument.
Labor is concerned that despite proven links between music education and increased abilities in literacy and numeracy, only 23% of government school students have access to music, compared to 80% of students attending Catholic and independent schools.
Labor will reverse this trend by committing nearly $10 million over three years to a major new policy initiative – Creative Opportunity: Music Education for Children. Labor’s policy, released in Melbourne today, is a comprehensive strategy aimed to address the decline in access to and participation in music.
The policy has two main components: $6 million to establish up to 18 Community Music Schools by 2007/08 and nearly $4 million in additional funding to the Musica Viva In Schools Education Program.
Labor will create an annual Prime Ministers Music Education Award for innovation and excellence in the provision of music education in government primary schools.
Community Music Schools
Community music schools will engage with primary and secondary schools providing music learning opportunities for children. Each school will receive funding of $100,000 each over the triennium providing opportunities for thousands of students to have access to professional music tuition and provide incentives for professional musicians to live and work in the regions.
Musica Viva’s in Schools Education Program
The second component of the policy is additional funding of $1.3 million per annum to Musica Viva’s In Schools Education Program, doubling the reach of Musica Viva to regional and rural Australia, including Indigenous communities. Labor will also provide targeted assistance to enable students from needy schools to access the program as well as develop a new Musica Viva performance group based in Far North Queensland to tour schools in Queensland regional areas.
Labor’s National Cultural Policy is based on the principals of creativity, access and participation. Labor’s Creative Opportunity: Music Education for Children, shows Labor’s commitment to acknowledging involvement in the arts for all Australians.
Contact: Adina Cirson – 0418 488 295 or 02 6277 3334
