A whole class of students new to instrumental learning may not sound like music to most people’s ears, but it is to The Heights School’s Arts Leader and Senior Music Teacher, Alex Spalding. 

He couldn’t be happier orchestrating a class of 30 year 5 students who are working wind instruments for the first time, their fresh eyes scanning the notes to Clair De Lune. 

To Alex, it sounds like brain development, social inclusion, and most importantly, fun. It sounds like the Music Education Strategy in play, hitting all the right notes it set out to perform. 

The school received $7,000 at the beginning of this year to start up their ‘Brass and Woodwind Engagement/Access Initiative’ as part of the department’s Music Initiatives in Education funding. The funding is designed to introduce and enhance music in public schools and preschools by increasing exposure to music learning and improving teaching confidence and capabilities.  

Alex says the students have really taken to learning the instruments, and he hopes to see more teachers learn general skills to bring music into their own classrooms.  

“There are so many benefits to implementing music into general learning," he said. 

“Our students are really flourishing in this environment and they feel such a great sense of achievement.” 

The Music Education Strategy sets out South Australia’s vision that all children and young people have access to high-quality music education that is valued and inspires learning. 

Head to the Music Education Strategy and innovation fund webpage for more information.