Music in Schools teacher professional learning program

Quality music education has been shown to provide a range of developmental benefits for students. It enhances engagement and wellbeing, increases personal and social development, and improves outcomes in other curriculum areas.

That is why the department offers the Music in Schools program, which has so far provided professional learning to around 2,000 teachers from 1,100 Victorian schools, 1,325 pre-service Victorian teachers and has enabled 390 schools to purchase resources for classroom music programs.

Victorian government primary and specialist schools looking to take part in the 2024–25 intake of Music in Schools are invited to submit an online expression of interest form by Friday 13 October 2023.

About the program

Music in Schools is a free 2-year program that aims to increase teachers’ confidence and capability to teach music in the classroom. The program also increases opportunities for students to access quality music education, particularly in rural and regional areas.

Places for the 2024–25 program are limited to 40 schools.

Delivery and funding

In partnership with The Song Room, experienced music educators will deliver the 2024–25 Music in Schools program through in-class and online mentoring and coaching, in terms 2 and 3 of 2024 and 2025.

There will also be a series of opt-in workshops available for school leaders and participating teachers across all terms in 2024 and 2025.

Schools can access grants for casual relief teacher costs to support program participants. Additionally, eligible schools will receive up to $4,000 to buy or hire musical instruments and related classroom music resources.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Music in Schools program, schools must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• not currently delivering a curriculum-aligned music program for students in Prep to Grade 6
• need support to start or establish a music program
• have generalist teachers delivering music education or nominated specialist teachers with limited experience or no qualification in music education.

In addition, schools must be able to commit to:

• two teachers participating across the full duration of the program
• delivering the music curriculum in terms 2 and 3 of 2024 and 2025.

Should the 2024-2025 program be oversubscribed, preference will be given to schools that have not previously participated. Returning schools may not be eligible to receive grant funding to buy musical instruments and resources.

How to get involved

Schools should complete the online expression of interest form by Friday 13 October 2023. The form should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.

Find out more

For more information, refer to Music in Schools.

For further enquiries, contact Felicity O’Halloran, Project Officer, Arts, Assessment and Reporting unit:

• phone: 03 7022 1358
• email: music.education@education.vic.gov.au