An Andrews Labor Government will help bring music lessons to every Victorian school according to its leader and party press release today.

Labor will contribute $1.4 million in funding, so all Victorian government schools get the chance to refresh or commence music education in their classrooms in partnership with Musical Futures Australia.

Labor will also establish a $400,000 grants program to help government and low fee independent schools without a strong, school wide music program to purchase musical instruments.

Musical Futures Australia will also administer $200,000 in additional funding to train and mentor primary teachers with the tools of musical education before they enter the classroom.

Opposition Leader, Daniel Andrews, and Shadow Minister for Education, James Merlino, visited Footscray West Primary School today to announce the $2 million plan, alongside teachers, students and musicians.

Labor’s plan will build a meaningful music program at 1600 Victorian schools by 2018.

In addition, under Labor, a review will be conducted by the Department of Education into the provision of instrumental music in schools.

Last month, Labor announced its plans to support parents and schools with the costs of excursions, camps and sports trips, to help kids fit in and make sure they don’t miss out.

Quotes attributable to Mr Andrews

“Exposure to music education means better grades, better results and better attendance – it’s a proven link.”

“Kids love music and I want them to enjoy it at school too.”

“We’ll bring music lessons to every Victorian school and we’ll help them with the cost of instruments because no child should miss out.”

Key Facts

• As the recent Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the extent, benefits and potential of music education in Victorian schools found, there is now significant research which demonstrates that “engagement in the Arts, including music, resulted in higher academic grades, literacy results and attendance for primary school students.”