Schools in Australia are now introducing the Musical Futures Program as part of a state by state roll out commencing with ten pilot schools in Victoria.

The schools included come from metropolitan and regional settings including two schools from Mildura in the northwest of Victoria (Look it up on your map)

 As you can see by the happy photos, 35 teachers enjoyed their two intense days at the professional learning course introducing the key concepts of Musical Futures. The learning was all about participating to the fullest in all the musical activities. Yes they were thrown ”In the Deep End” , but managed to swim very well . A highlight was our classroom workshop sessions that really rocked.

Here are some responses to the training from two of our new leader pilot school teachers

Hi all,

I just want to say that the Musical Futures training days were two of the best days I have been to in a very long time. I was just stoked to be in a room with a whole group of people with a common purpose and passion for music. Thank you to the presenters and trainers and I am really looking forward to getting this up and running at school. The jam sessions and workshops were great fun and the staff at school are keen to have me run a sample workshop with them at one of our next meetings, 'as long as we get to use ukuleles!' I already have a class set of Ukuleles on the way and have some budget to spend!! This is the most excited I have been about teaching in a very long time. I look forward to sharing ideas with you all in the coming weeks and months.

Cheers,

Ben.

Trafalgar School ( Gippsland, Victoria)

Hi all,

I would like to second the thoughts already mentioned about the Musical Futures training days.

It is a rare but somewhat exciting experience to have such a large and committed group of educators in the same room, really doing what we love to do best; play, share, communicate and most of all learn from each other just how we can make this not only work in our schools but in the lives of the kids that we inspire to love music everyday.

Coming back on the flight to Mildura, the thoughts of the two days and the new and old friends that were made, were very much in my mind as I thought about the future that this program held if we were willing to give it our all.

Thanks to everyone who made my stay and my colleagues stay a memorable, enjoyable and educational time.

May we all make Music long into the future and pass that torch of learning on to future generations.

 Don.

Red Cliffs Secondary College (Mildura, Sunrasia)

We would like to mention the organisations and individuals that worked hard to bring this project to the Colony.

The generosity of the Paul Hamlyn Group that allowed program materials to be used free of charge.

The Australian Music Association and the enterprise of Ian

NAMM for the vision to invest in Australia and the provision of a generous grant.

The Soundhouse Music Alliance as training partner.

The leadership of David Price OAM and the staff implementing Musical Futures in the UK.

Thanks to Emily, Abi , Fran, Anne.   

The inspiration of teachers and  students in schools in The UK, including Harrogate Grammar, High Storrs Sheffield, Leeds and many more.