The Australian Minister for Education, Science and Training Julie Bishop, speaking last week about the role of music education in Australian schools. She was commenting on the National Music Workshop Report recommendations which include lifting the status of music education, the development of a national music education resource, teacher training and professional development.

 

Dr Christopher Klopper, Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) music lecturer in the School of Teacher Education, says the recommendations are confirmation that CSU is moving in the right direction.

 

“CSU elevates the status of music through advocacy. Our first and second year students are well aware of recent research into the benefits of music education.

 

“Music education teaches problem-solving through interpreting the language that is music, while performing music develops self-confidence and self-esteem.

 

Learning music helps reading and comprehension, while playing music together in a band or an orchestra fosters team spirit.”

 

Dr Klopper has reinvigorated music teaching at CSU. “We have created a culture of making music. And CSU is currently re-writing the early childhood and primary teaching courses. For example, in the early childhood course, the student has to reach some level of music ability on a musical instrument.

 

“And in the CSU Bachelor of Primary Education course we have worked with the NSW Institute of Teachers to incorporate two music subjects per curriculum area.”

 

The Report authors noted that teachers from NSW or Victoria were surprised to hear of some of the initiatives taking place in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Dr Klopper stresses that the collaborations CSU is engaging in will overcome this problem.

 

CSU is a partner in a project originated by University of Southern Queensland which provides interaction and peer collaboration with students in Queensland and Tasmania. The project has attracted a $150 000 grant from the Carrick Institute for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

 

 “There is no uniformity in music education in schools across Australia. Linking with other states will expose our students to the best various states have to offer.

 

“Our students are learning very early in their career the value of collaboration and networking.”

 

Dr Klopper believes there is more than can be done. “As a University we should play a role in professional development, and work harder to provide in-service opportunities.

 

”Generally the report recommendations confirm that we are making the right changes.”