Putting principals at the centre of the music education conversation
When more than 20 principals from every state and territory come together to talk music education, it speaks volumes about the importance school leaders place on giving children access to quality music learning – as evidenced at our Primary Principals Roundtable hosted in Sydney last week, designed to bring school leaders more directly into the national conversation.
The discussion explored what is helping music education thrive, the barriers principals continue to face, and what school leaders need to strengthen the delivery and long-term sustainability of music education in their schools.
The roundtable brought together principals representing every state, territory and education system, including representatives from national and state primary principals associations.
For one principal, it starts with leadership and belief in the value of music education:
“You need to be passionate and have a vision to allow a program to be successful. You want your community to get kids involved, but also to see it as equally as important as literacy and numeracy in schools, because there are so many benefits.”
While there were clear areas of commonality, the conversation also highlighted how differently music education is prioritised and delivered across education systems – reinforcing the critical role principals play in delivering quality music education within their schools.
The roundtable was hosted at the APRA AMCOS office in Sydney, where CEO Dean Ormston welcomed principals and reflected on the importance of equitable access to quality music education to the long-term strength of Australia’s music industry and cultural life. His remarks reinforced the vital role creative arts education plays in developing young people’s confidence, creativity and expression, while also nurturing future artists, audiences and a thriving creative workforce.
Principals identified the key factors supporting quality music education in schools, captured through live visual scribing by Gavin Blake.
Visual artist Gavin Blake also captured the discussion and key themes of the day through live visual scribing.
One message was clear throughout the day: principals deeply value music education and recognise its impact on student learning, wellbeing, engagement, school culture, and the joy it brings. The conversation also reinforced that school leaders continue to need permission, backing, and practical support from systems to deliver on emerging commitments to strengthening music education.
We’re grateful to the principals for their generous time, insights and experiences, and look forward to continuing the conversation across each jurisdiction as we work to strengthen equitable access to quality music education for all Australian primary school children.
