Supported by The Song Room, ARIA is proud to present the ARIA Music Teacher Award.
This special ARIA Award, launched in partnership with The Song Room in 2017, recognises the incredible contribution of music teachers throughout Australia. It rewards teachers for their hard work, creativity and dedication to their students and wider community. By celebrating our amazing music teachers, it also helps to shine a light on the importance of music to education and student engagement.
Winners of the award have included Sue Lowry (2023, Southport Special School, Southport QLD) Matt Orchard (2022, Apollo Bay P-12 College, Apollo Bay, Gadubanud Territory, VIC), Zoe Barry (2021, Sacred Heart School, Melbourne VIC), Sarah Donnelly (2020, Willcania Central School, Wilcannia NSW), Antonio Chiappetta (2019, St Andrews College, Sydney, NSW), Scott Maxwell (2018, Grant High School, Mount Gambier, SA) and Renee McCarthy (2017, Woodcroft College, Adelaide SA).
Every year the public help determine the winner of the ARIA Music Teacher Award, with the winner to be announced as part of the annual ARIA Awards ceremony.
Behind most artists who make it to the ARIA stage is a dedicated music teacher or mentor. The ARIA Music Teacher Award was introduced by ARIA, in partnership with The Song Room, to recognise music teachers for their passion and hard work in providing Australian children with a better education and the chance to play and enjoy music.
Music and creativity help improve education standards, well-being and build a stronger connection for students to their school life. Celebrate the exceptional influence music teachers have on our kids, setting them up for a bright future.
Research shows that children involved in music at school:
Creative kids are brighter kids, and research shows that participation in music programs has a positive impact on childrens lives.
3 out of 4 Australian children have no access to specialist music education at school, despite the fact that The Song Room’s programs deliver:
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2021 ARIA Awards
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2020 ARIA Awards
Meet the 2020 Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award Nominees
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2019 ARIA Awards
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2018 ARIA Awards
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2017 ARIA Awards
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