Nominations open for ARIA Music Teacher of the Year

Nominations for the second ARIA Music Teacher of the Year have opened.

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 here.

The award is presented by the Australian Recording Industry Association and The Song Room, a national arts education organisation, and announced at the ARIA awards in November.

The award is sponsored by Telstra for the second year.

Last year, the inaugural award drew 1,600 nominations from around the country.

These were whittled down to four, from four different states, who were visited by ARIA artist ambassadors Jessica Mauboy, Josh Pyke, Lior and Missy Higgins.

The winner was Renee McCarthy from Woodcroft College in South Australia, who was given her trophy onstage at the awards by Pyke.

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.

There is a growing awareness of how creativity and the arts improve education standards.

The Song Room is helping to close the education equity gap in many communities in regional, remote and metro areas through its arts education programs, which are run in partnership with schools.

“Many of the greatest musicians of our time credit their teachers with being a critical factor in their success,” Simon Gipson, CEO of The Song Room, says.

“But it’s much more than that. For many children, their music or art teacher has helped them develop a sense of belonging and purpose!”

ARIA chief executive Dan Rosen observed this morning, “The presentation of this award was a highlight of the 2017 ARIAs, and was able to shine a light on the incredible, inspiring and impactful work being done by thousands of music teachers across Australia.

“This year we look forward to working with The Song Room and Telstra again to celebrate more amazing teachers and their work exposing students to the joy of music.”

Photo: Last year’s winner, Renee McCarthy