We have tried almost everything to make our schools better for all kids. More this and little bit less that. We have change the order of curriculum delivery and asked kids to try harder. And, yes, we think more data and tougher sanctions when these data show set targets are not met would be the road to better schools. All of these and other ideas have left many wonder, what next.
How about making music education accessible to everyone in our schools? Did you know that over one million primary school kids aren’t learning music as part of their education, even though music is part of Australian curriculum. Why not? Music has a power to heal people, give nations their independence, and stop wars. Could rock ‘n’ roll save our schools and help children thrive?
This is the question I will ask my guests in an event at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 7th June that starts at 6pm.
I will sit down and also play music with past ARIA Music Teacher of the Year Sarah Donnelley, and the inspiring Ricky Kradolfer to explore that intriguing question. The event has several live performance components including a song that will be composed throughout the event, an audience chorus and an artist illustrating a visual map of the discussion.
You know me. You should also know my guests Sarah and Ricky.
Sarah is the Deputy Principal of Wilcannia Central School, a P-12 school in Wilcannia, located on the Darling River in Far West New South Wales. Sarah won the 2020 Testra Aria Music Teacher Award for her work leading a music program designed to better connect and engage her students in the school environment. Originally from Sydney, music underpins Sarah’s work with students in all settings, embedded across the school day, used to engage students in key learning areas, developing vital literacy skills, foster a sense of identity and belonging, as well as enable students to build skills of mindfulness and self-regulation. Sarah strives to create a space where students can explore culture and identity through performance opportunities, songwriting workshops and singing lessons, and her ability to practice and share her love of music with her students and colleagues, is one of the best parts of her role.
Ricky spent most of his life as the front man, guitarist and songwriter for his band City Riots, He knows how to put on a show! Over the years, he has displayed an innate ability to connect with and inspire primary school students with their musical education. He is a subject matter expert having lived and breathed the music industry and music teaching for the best part of 15 years. Ricky created Ricky’s Music Tuition which operates in schools in schools across NSW, and recently is the co-founder of a music education start up called Amplify which is set to completely change how music is taught in schools. It makes teaching contemporary classroom music accessible for classroom teachers, while ensuring that every student has access to high quality, inspiring and engaging music lessons that meet the curriculum.
Join us in this amazing evening at the Sydney Opera House. More details including information about booking tickets here.