Sydney Symphony Orchestra Joins NSW Teachers To Support Young Musicians

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) will continue its commitment to supporting the next generation of musicians with its award-winning TunED-Up! program on 15-19 January. During this five-day intensive program 35 primary school teachers from as far as Woolgoolga to Jerrabomberra in New South Wales will learn the skills they need to confidently teach music in the classroom. Among those taking part are nine teachers from the new Credit Suisse Sydney Symphony Orchestra Schools Music Education Program, aimed at creating a culture of music in schools from low socio-economic areas.

Sydney Symphony Orchestra Director of Learning and Engagement Linda Lorenza says: "Music education in primary classrooms has been hindered by lack of confidence and knowledge among classroom teachers, with the majority of primary school teachers untrained and therefore intimidated by the prospect of teaching music."

"TunED-Up! addresses the need to bolster music education, working closely with primary teachers to upskill and expand musical knowledge, and build teachers' confidence to deliver music programs in school," she added.

Now in its fifth year, TunED-Up! will feature new workshops focusing on essential musical knowledge for exploring music and songs from different cultural backgrounds, equipping teachers with the skills to approach and celebrate music in all forms.

Lorenza explains that the reworked programs are designed to celebrate the wide breadth of music available as a result of Australia's multicultural community.

Since inception, 160 teachers have completed TunED-Up!, impacting an estimated minimum of 50,000 students across New South Wales.