Why Does Music Education Matter?
A Legacy of Excellence
For half a century, SYO has stood at the forefront of music education in Australia, enriching the lives of thousands of young musicians and advocating for the transformative power of musical training. Since 1973, SYO has provided world-class orchestral training that develops not just musical talents, but shapes well-rounded individuals equipped with creativity, discipline, and collaborative skills that last a lifetime.
Why Music Education Matters
Research consistently demonstrates that quality music education:
- Enhances cognitive development and academic performance
- Builds essential life skills including teamwork, perseverance, and self-expression
- Fosters cultural appreciation and social connection
- Provides pathways to careers in the creative industries
- Improves mental health and emotional well-being
Advocating for Change
When the NSW Parliament established a Joint Select Committee inquiry into arts and music education, SYO’s leadership took action. CEO Mia Patoulios and James Pensini presented a compelling submission advocating for mandated music instruction hours and professional accreditation for primary music teachers—changes that would ensure every child in NSW receives quality music education.
Progress Through Persistence
We’re witnessing promising developments. The NSW Government has responded to the Arts and Music Education Inquiry by supporting eight recommendations and committing to develop a comprehensive 10-year Music Education Plan. This marks a significant step forward in recognising music education’s vital role in our schools and communities.
The Work Continues
While SYO celebrates this progress, we recognise more detail is needed to ensure meaningful change. As the Music Education: Right from the Start initiative notes, this commitment marks just the beginning of transforming music education in NSW.
Join Our Symphony of Change
For 50 years, SYO has demonstrated the extraordinary impact of quality music education. Now, we invite you to join our continued advocacy for universal access to music education. Together, we can ensure that every child in NSW experiences the life-changing benefits of musical training—just as generations of SYO musicians have.
Our legacy proves that when young people have access to excellent music education, both individuals and communities thrive. As we celebrate our 52nd anniversary in 2025, we remain committed to this vision for the next 50 years and beyond.
Click here to read SYO’s full submission online
or watch on Youtube at 5:46:00
The Committee’s investigation reveals that quality, sequential, and ongoing music learning is essential for all NSW primary school students. Their recommendations strongly align with our initiative’s advocacy and the collective voice of music and education sectors.
The inquiry, informed by 125 submissions and nearly 80 interviews, uncovered significant gaps in the NSW teaching workforce’s ability to deliver effective music education. This evidence highlights an urgent need for comprehensive reform in training, upskilling, and supporting primary teachers.
Within the Creative Communities policy framework, the findings confirm music education’s vital role in students’ holistic development. The inquiry also emphasizes the importance of addressing social and economic barriers to access. This process demonstrated successful collaboration between government, non-government sectors, and educational stakeholders.
