Music in Me

Music in Me is a national initiative established in 2016 by the late Richard Gill (OA), with partner Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO). Music in Me creates opportunities for every student to access quality music education in the classroom. The program operates across remote, regional and metropolitan Australia.

Experienced K to 6 music teachers (mentors) work with participating teachers (mentees) in their classroom, to build their confidence, skills and practices in delivering valuable music experiences for students.

Music in Me:

• focuses on supporting classroom teachers to deliver musical learning in their classroom
• provides flexible delivery negotiated between the mentor and mentee
• does not require specialised equipment or prior knowledge
• empowers teachers to confidently embed musical content into their regular teaching practice
• is linked to the NSW Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2006 and 2024).

Semester 2 program dates:

• Term 2 Week 8 – applications close
• Term 2 Week 10 – successful participants notified
• Term 3 Week 1 – preparation commences
• Term 3 Week 3 – launch meeting
• Term 4 Week 6 – program concludes

Music in Me provides participating teachers (mentees) with:

• personalised professional learning delivered in their classroom
• skills and confidence to deliver musical learning experiences
• expert support and mentoring from an experienced K-6 classroom music teacher
• co-designed planning, programming and assessment strategies
• access to a supportive community of mentees and mentors
• exclusive access to a curated collection of resources and PL developed by music education specialists and the national partner, AYO
• approximately 15 hours of professional learning.

Music in Me provides mentors with:

• opportunities to develop leadership skills through online training and development
• sharing and modelling meaningful music education practices
• networking with other teachers around NSW
• ongoing support and online PL sessions
• exclusive access to a curated collection of resources and PL developed by music education specialists and the national partner, AYO
• approximately 8 hours of professional learning.

The mentee school is responsible for funding this program.

The total cost of the program is approximately 2 casual relief days per participating mentee teacher each semester. The cost is calculated on ¼ day of casual release per participating mentee teacher per session (8 sessions). This cost is paid to the mentor or to the mentor’s school in order to cover their release.

This release is used by the mentor to provide planning, mentoring and demonstration sessions throughout the Music in Me program.

• Only one application is required per school (up to 4 applicants can apply per application).
• Principal approval is required to apply.
• Schools who have previously participated in the program are encouraged to reapply with new or returning teachers.
• All school contexts will be considered, with preference given to schools with 2 or more participating teachers.

Successful applicants will be provided with more detailed information in the program acceptance paperwork.

Mentors are selected for their highly-developed K–6 music education skills, as well as their willingness to share, collaborate and mentor.

Outstanding candidates are welcome to apply with:

• demonstrated excellent K–6 classroom music teaching skills
• at least 3 years K–6 classroom music teaching experience
• principal approval to participate in the program
• NSW Department of Education approval to teach. 

Mentors are required to submit the following 3 items to support their application:

• A short 3-5-minute lesson segment demonstrating teaching practice in the classroom setting.
• A short 2-minute video demonstrating a song and explaining an activity that can be used with students.
• A recent program or unit of work.

Additional information is outlined in the application form.

Please note:

• Returning mentors are required to complete all parts of the application (including the supporting videos and documentation).
• Mentors are required to complete mentor training an attend an induction workshop before the program commences. 

Successful applicants will be provided with more detailed information in the program acceptance paperwork.

Visit the Australian Youth Orchestra's Music in Me webpage.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact [email protected].

Third-party content attributions

Banner and thumbnail photo by Brett Scapin.