Staff

teacher-kids Many regions report a lack of suitably qualified or confident staff - particularly in country or remote areas – to teach music. The links below highlight how real schools have met some of the typical challenges in getting staff to be more engaged with music education.

Common staffing hurdles which can be overcome are:

I cannot sing
Difficult to retain specialists at the school
Limited encouragement from policy-makers
Unwilling Executive / Principal
Lack of specialist music teachers

If you require more information about any of these please contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at Music. Play for Life.

I cannot sing

Solution	Case Study & Further Reading
Intention is far more important than singing ability - children catch on to a melody as long as the teacher is well-meaning & clear in their intent!	Music Education Program - ANU The Hand-in-hand community music program: a case study by SJ Garber
Ask students to lead choir rehearsals (gaining valuable leadership experience) and select songs	Smith's Hill High School

Difficult to retain specialists at the school

Solution	Case Study & Further Reading
Use high profile, local, successful students to make music more respected at school and in community
Enlist parent support, help and attendance (at rehearsals and concerts),
Travel (to festivals, eistedfodds, concert tours),
Ask for tutors & volunteers to assist with rehearsals (and share the load with Music specialist)	Dalyellup Primary, Bellingen High School, Basket Range Primary School
Avoid teacher burn-out & loneliness by encouraging a Music network of instrumentalists and specialist teachers	Yammer, Twitter, PLN(Music)

Limited encouragement from policy-makers

Solution	Case Study & Further Reading
See MUSIC. PLAY FOR LIFE lobby kit	See MUSIC. PLAY FOR LIFE lobby kit
Staff-only rock band offers a role model to students, and performs at school functions	Killara Primary School

Unwilling Executive / Principal

Solution	Case Study & Further Reading
Ask students and parents to lobby executive and create petitions	See MUSIC. PLAY FOR LIFE lobby kit
Work hard to create a small ensemble, perform to assembly, and spark executive interest in the Arts

Lack of specialist music teachers

Solution	Case Study & Further Reading
Cluster schools together and place job ads across Australia	Nana Glen, Coramba, Lowanna MCA website offers free advertising
Generalist teachers encouraged to step up to the challenge	Port Lincoln, Milton Public School
When students 'tune in' in the Music Education Program model, a Music specialist is not required!	Music Education Program - ANU
Gen. teachers attend specialist Music classes as a type of PD
Make a partnership with a local High School (buddy system; joint music camps, concerts, drumming groups and masterclasses)	Dulwich Hill Public School, Vermont Primary School, Sandgate State School, Curran Public School
Musical buddy system: make partnerships with local Primary Schools and Home-schoolers	Kingaroy State High School
Make partnerships with city teachers - transport them to teach your kids	King Island District High
Be brave and sing with your students - promote student ensemble leaders!
Cluster schools to form a choral festival day - student peer tutoring and mentors	Port Lincoln
Apply for a grant from Music Outback	Neutral Junction School Music Outback
Collaborate with a well-resourced city High School	MLC (Sydney)
"Students receive mentoring from local professional musicians & former students are encouraged back …"	Lyneham High School
Use an online music lesson resource with built-in instructional videos and online assistance (Primary)	RAMP-UP from Jozzbeat
Integrate music into computer / technology-rich tasks, taught with the assistance of computer-trained staff	St Andrew's Catholic College