$450,000 funding extension confirmed for Music: Count Us In

Music: Count Us In, Australia’s largest school music advocacy and participation program, has had its funding extended by the federal government to 2019.

Minister for Education, Dan Tehan, announced a further $450,000 for this year.

This ensures that over half a million students will participate in a formal music education experience this year.

The Music: Count Us In program is helping over 745,000 students schools across the country participate in music education by providing resources and skills development opportunities for teachers.

The program is delivered by national umbrella body Music Australia.

Its chair Michael Smellie said, “We know from our research, that this program enhances learning experiences and improves confidence and social interaction of students.

“The impact will be most felt in those areas currently most disadvantaged in music resources, particularly in remote and regional Australia.”