NSW government announces 10-year music education plan

The New South Wales government has announced ‘Time for Music’, a 10-year initiative designed to provide every public primary school student in the state with access to annual music lessons and the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. The program aims to improve the consistency and quality of music education for students from Kindergarten through Year 6, working in conjunction with the new Creative Arts syllabus.

To support the rollout, the plan will provide teachers with professional learning, dedicated tools, and resources. The initiative also intends to bring musicians, tutors, and industry experts into classrooms to mentor teachers and expand co-curricular activities such as school bands and choirs. The program follows recommendations from the 2024 Joint Select Committee on Arts and Music Education.

While the plan has been welcomed as a significant educational advancement, some educators emphasize the necessity of specialized training. A 2025 study indicated that 69 per cent of NSW primary teachers currently feel ill-equipped to deliver music instruction, highlighting a need for teachers to possess both musical talent and specific pedagogical skills to ensure the program's success.