Every student in New South Wales public primary schools will have access to music lessons each year and the opportunity to learn a musical instrument under a new 10-year music education plan announced by the NSW Government.

The Minns Government’s Time for Music plan aims to improve the quality and consistency of music education for students from Kindergarten to Year 6, with a particular focus on ensuring equitable access regardless of where students live or which school they attend.

The plan will work alongside the new Creative Arts K–6 syllabus and is intended to embed music instruction across NSW public primary schools. It will provide teachers with additional professional learning, teaching resources and practical tools, supported by a dedicated music education framework.

Musician Tim Hansen and students of Ashcroft Public School, Sydney. Photo © Musica Viva Australia/Toby Zerna

Over the next decade, musicians, tutors and industry experts will also be brought into classrooms to work alongside and mentor teachers. Schools will receive support to expand co-curricular activities, including bands and choirs.

The staged rollout is designed to build the capacity of schools and teachers progressively, with the government describing the 10-year timeframe as...