Monday, 24 April 2017

More Victorian students will get the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing announced that round two of the $400,000 Musical Instruments Grants program is now open.

Under the program, 200 eligible schools will be invited to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to buy musical instruments.

It is part of the Labor Government’s $2 million Music in Schools initiative – which also provides professional training for hundreds of Victorian teachers so that schools can establish quality music programs.

Research shows that exposure to music enhances student engagement and wellbeing, improves academic performance and builds personal and social development.

More Information on Music in Schools can be found at: www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/learningdev/Pages/music-in-schools.aspx

Round one of the Music Instrument Grants saw five Gippsland primary schools receive the following:

Bass Valley $6,118 Drums (16), Percussion (6), Piano/Keyboard (3), String (15)
Nowa Nowa $5,352 10 African Drums & covers, 3 guitar tuners, 2 ipads, 3 wooden xylophones, various percussion
Orbost North $3,000 15 drums, one i-pad
Araluen $4,913 15x assorted African drums, 14 assorted percussion, 5
Morwell Central $4,807 23 percussion instruments, 4 drums and 2 woodwind instruments

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:

“It’s no secret that Gippslanders love their music and we want to make sure that more Gippsland students can enjoy music at school.”

“We’re supporting students no matter where they live to get the best possible education in all subjects, including music.”

Background: Music in Schools Initiative

The Music in Schools program comprises:
• $1.6 million for professional training for hundreds of Victorian teachers so that schools without strong, school-wide programs can establish quality music programs.
• $400,000 in grants over two stages for schools to buy instruments.
• $200,000 so trainee teachers at university studying to become primary teachers can complete musical education training.