Every public primary school student in New South Wales will receive access to high-quality music lessons each year and the opportunity to learn a musical instrument under a new 10-year music education plan.
The Minns Labor Government's 'Time for Music' plan will deliver better and fairer access to music lessons and musical activities for students from Kindergarten through to Year 6, improving the quality and consistency of music education in NSW public primary schools.
'Time for Music' is designed to work alongside the new Creative Arts Kindergarten to Year 6 syllabus and will embed music instruction in NSW public primary schools, ensuring every student can access a high-quality music education, no matter where they live or go to school.
The landmark plan will provide teachers with additional professional learning, and the dedicated tools and resources required to support them to deliver music lessons, backed by a dedicated music education framework.
Over the next 10 years the plan will bring musicians, tutors, and industry experts into classrooms to work alongside and mentor teachers and expand access to co-curricular activities including school bands and choirs. The plan will be deliberately staged over the next 10 years to build the capability of schools and teachers to implement it sustainably and embed change long-term.
The 'Time for Music' plan delivers on key recommendations from the 2024 Joint Select Committee on Arts and Music Education that found every child in NSW deserves the benefits of a high-quality creative arts education, including music, and will be guided by an industry advisory group.
The plan complements the Minns Labor Government's 'Inspire' program, which is embedding high potential and gifted education programs into every NSW public school. The 'Inspire ' program provides opportunities for local public schools to nurture their students' talent and potential as part of a well-rounded high-quality public education.
The Minns Labor Government's commitment to support students to reach their full potential is backed by a strengthened teaching workforce across NSW.
Under the Minns Labor Government more than 25,000 teachers and school support staff have transitioned from uncertain temporary contracts to permanent employment.
This follows the Minns Labor Government's abolition of the Liberals and Nationals wages cap, delivering NSW teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation.
This reform is attracting teachers into public schools and helping retain those already there, with teacher vacancies at a 12-year low and the number of merged and cancelled classes in NSW halving since the election of the Minns Labor Government.
Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"The Minns Labor Government wants every student to have access to a high-quality music education, no matter where they live.
"That's why we're backing teachers with practical teaching resources and professional learning so they can confidently deliver music education and provide opportunities for students beyond the classroom.
"The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding the public education system, and ensuring every student can pursue their aspirations and talent through a comprehensive music education."
Minister for the Arts and Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:
"We went to the last election promising a parliamentary inquiry into the state of arts and music education, to inform a comprehensive plan to give the next generation of young Australian talent the start they deserve. This plan is the result of that work.
"We know how transformative arts and music education can be, improving students learning outcomes, opening their minds to new experiences and opportunities, and developing life-long audiences.
"That is why we want to ensure that all children, regardless of their postcode or their family's income bracket, can have access to high-quality arts and music education."
Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts Julia Finn said:
"Children in Western Sydney and regional New South Wales deserve the same creative opportunities as other students across our state.
"The Minns Labor Government's plan will give local public primary schools the resources they require to reinvigorate their school bands and choirs, improving a love of music in all public school children."
