South Australia’s Department for Education has released its Setting the Tempo report and survey of the state’s primary school teachers.

On cue, the Malinauskas Labor Government has announced it will commit $7.5m in funding towards expanding music education in schools over the next three years.

Co-supported by Alberts | The Tony Foundation’s Music Education: Right from the Start and the South Australian Department for Education, the report surveyed teachers and representatives from 115 public primary schools.

Almost all respondents (97 percent) agreed that access to music education improves students’ overall educational experience. A similar proportion (94 percent) agreed that music education had positive impact on literacy and numeracy skills and reduced stress and anxiety among students.

Many pointed out that teacher training in music, dedicated facilities and appropriate resources were lacking, however.

Acting Principal Toula Girgolas and students of The Pines School, Parafield, South Australia. Photo © Naomi Jellicoe

The state’s investment in music education will go towards buying more musical instruments for schools, extra training for teachers and upskilling non-specialist teachers to become music teachers.

“Music education helps to develop thinking and learning skills, lifts literacy and numeracy standards and enhances wellbeing,” said Blair Boyer, SA’s...