Limelight covers new research: NSW teachers value music but lack resources
Students of Homebush West Public School’s music program performed at the launch of our ACER Primary Teachers’ Survey on music education on 15 May 2025. (Photo: Liz Keene Photography).
The message is clear: teachers value music and want to teach it better. But most say they lack the training, resources, or support to do so.
A new article in Limelight titled, ‘NSW Primary teachers call for more music education support’, showcases findings from our latest research into the who, what, and how of music education delivery in NSW public schools: while 77% of NSW primary teachers surveyed agree music is important or very important to a child’s education, music was placed in the bottom half of teaching confidence by 69% of respondents. Almost three-quarters (72%) had never accessed professional learning in music, and 82% disagreed that high-quality training was available.
As Limelight reports:
“The study supports a national vision that every Australian child should have access to quality, sequential, and ongoing music education. Yet, only 17 percent of surveyed teachers consider themselves ‘musical,’ and a striking 82 percent say their initial teacher education (ITE) did not adequately prepare them to teach music.”
Through the ACER Primary Teachers’ Survey on Music Education in NSW, we now have a clear and present picture of what is happening in government schools in NSW, and now it is time to start managing it for the better.
Yet, despite low confidence and limited support, the article notes: “Teachers see the benefits of music education firsthand. Respondents noted improved student participation, creativity, emotional expression, and even better teacher-student relationships. Many teachers shared personal reflections on how music builds community and enhances engagement.”
The ACER Primary Teachers' Survey on Music Education in NSW was commissioned by Music Education: Right from the Start, with support from the NSW Department of Education and NSW Teachers’ Federation, and funded by the NSW Government through Sound NSW, and Alberts | The Tony Foundation.
