Music innovation fund a chance for SA preschools to share in $280,000 of funding

Preschools, public schools and external music and creative organisations have been invited to apply for their share of $280,000 in funding designated to support and sustain quality music education programs in South Australia. 

The latest funding round is the fourth since the launch of the South Australian Government’s  Music Education Strategy in 2018, with previously successful applicants using the funding to purchase instruments, upskill teachers, start or strengthen collaborative programs, or engage musicians and music organisations.

Over $735,000 has been allocated to 104 government schools, preschools and external music and creative organisations since the funding program commenced, an amount which the state’s Minister for Education, John Gardner, said reflects the importance of music education in children and young people’s educational and social development.

“We’re really seeing the strategy take hold and positively influence the way music education is delivered in our schools and preschools,” Mr Gardner said.

“Early exposure to music means those social, behavioural and academic benefits continue throughout a child’s education and our vision is for all children and young people to have access to high-quality music education.”

Mr Gardner outlined the benefits of music education, which include increasing language and literacy skills as well as building social inclusion and improved wellbeing.

“The Music Innovation Fund has contributed significantly to the strategy’s success so far,” he added.

“The opportunities are boundless for educators and organisations to work harmoniously together to create and sustain quality music education programs for every child and young person in public education in South Australia.”

Alongside the funding, the Government is making free professional development opportunities available to undergraduate students at Flinders University and UniSA.

The series of free “taster” workshops, aimed at those pursuing a career as a primary teacher or early years educator, will be delivered by some of Australia’s leading music associations and will provide an introduction to key music education concepts from 17 August 2021.

Mr Gardner strongly encouraged all those who are eligible to apply, and make music a defining factor in their programs. 

More information about the fund, including how to apply, is available here. Applications close 24 September 2021.