National Review of Music Education

Background

In March 2004, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson, Minister for Education, Science and Training announced that Murdoch University 's Centre for Learning, Change and Development (CLCD) would lead an expert team to undertake the National Review of School Music Education.

Commencing in August 2004 and scheduled for completion in July 2005, the purpose of the Review was to investigate the quality and status of music education in both primary and secondary schools and determine how both could be increased for the benefit of all students.

The Review was co-directed by Mr Robin Pascoe (Murdoch) and Dr Sam Leong ( University of Western Australia ). Other team members included Dr Judy MacCallum and Mr Terry Church from Murdoch University, Dr Kathryn Marsh and Dr Elizabeth Mackinlay from the Universities of Sydney and Queensland respectively, and Dr Robert Smith from the Northern Territory's Department of Education.

The Review was overseen by a sixteen-member national Steering Committee, which was chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Western Australia , Professor Margaret Seares . Together with a number of Critical Friends, the Steering Committee provided advice and guidance to the researchers throughout the Review.

Research Strategy

The research involved 12 main components:

•  Consultation with the Department, Steering Committee and Critical Friends and State and Territory Education Departments;

•  Confirmation of the research strategy and ethics clearance;

•  Establishment of an interactive Review website;

•  Review of Literature, including review of relevant international and Australian studies, and available music education documents;

•  Benchmarking;

•  Identification of sources of information;

•  Collection of data from each State and Territory, and mapping of provision at the State/Territory level;

•  Submissions from music education experts, and other interested informants, focus groups and limited interviews;

•  Selection of sample of schools and national survey of sample of schools;

•  Field visits to selected sites;

•  Data analysis; and

•  Writing and development of recommendations (including feedback on reports from Steering Committee and Critical Friends).

Of particular significance was the tremendous response to the call for public submissions, which came from 5936 individuals and groups, representing a wide spectrum of those interested in school music education from around Australia .

A common element in all submissions is the belief in the value of school music for all students. Respondents' descriptions of the provision of music education from personal experience in and across settings, demonstrate the stark variation in the quality and status of music education in this country.

Key Findings from the Review

•  Music education is valuable and essential for all Australian school students;

•  Some students miss out on effective music education;

•  Quality teaching is a key;

•  Effective teacher education is essential;

•  The partners in effective music education need to take leadership and action roles;

•  Raising the status of music in schools will improve the quality of music in schools.

Further information: http://www.schoolmusicreview.edu.au/
Publication available on: Department of Education, Science and Training website