Nominations open to find 2019’s best music teacher

Nominations have opened for the 2019 Telstra ARIA music teacher of the year award.

It is a joint initiative by ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) and national arts education organisation The Song Room.

The award was introduced to recognise music teachers for their passion and hard work in providing Australian children with a better education and the chance to play and enjoy music.

This year’s award is dedicated to the late Richard Gill AO, the highly celebrated conductor who made it his mission to inspire others to learn and love music that will live on.

Gill was adamant that music should be an integral part of a child’s education.

“We teach music because it acts in a unique way on the heart, mind, soul and spirit of the child, stimulating thought and imagination in very special ways,” he said.

This award is open to any teacher working on a music program in a school, kindergarten, early childhood centre, youth centre or private tuition music school in Australia.

Anyone from around the country – from students, school administrators, to friends, neighbours and family – can nominate their music teacher for consideration to win an ARIA.

Last year, ARIA artist ambassadors Guy Sebastian, Justine Clarke, Sheppard and Thelma Plum visited four finalists in four states.

The winner, Scott Maxwell from Grant High School in Mount Gambier, South Australia, said, “Music is so important, it’s life changing,.

“It connects us with the world, it connects us with each other, it connects us to ourselves and it brings our consciousness into the present.

“This award is validating music education in our country and it is supporting music education in our country, which is so important.

“There are so many amazing educators out there doing wonderful things in music and it is such an honour to be recognised as a leader in transforming lives and inspiring others through music.”

A shortlist of nominees will be announced at the ARIA nominations event in October.

Each shortlisted teacher will be partnered with an artist ambassadors who will visit the school, help celebrate their success and tell their story.

A public voting process will be conducted culminating in the winner’s presentation at the ARIA awards in November.

To view guidelines and/or to nominate your favourite music educator, visit www.ariamusicteacheraward.com.au