Without music teachers, the classroom would be a much less joyful – and loud – place. The Australian Recording Industry Association, in collaboration with The Song Room, celebrates that each year with the ARIA Music Teacher Award.
The AMTA, created to recognise the teachers shaping the next generation of creatives, is back for its eighth year running.
Applications open on May 13, and the judges have some set criteria they’re looking for. They want to give the award to a music teacher who is the best in their field, having made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education within their community and someone who has made a measurable difference in the lives of their students, school or community group.
Shortlisted nominees get the chance to meet a surprise artist ambassador who will connect with them and their school. Past ambassadors include Aussie icons like Jessica Mauboy, Tones and I, Ben Gillies, Baker Boy, Guy Sebastian, The Wiggles and Amy Shark.
The winner of the AMTA will be announced at the 2024 ARIA Awards – after being voted on by the public. Last year, 47,506 people voted, with Sue Lowry of Southport Special School taking out the win.
Other past winners include Matt Orchard, Zoe Barry, Sarah Donnelley, Antonio Chiappetta, Scott Maxwell, and Renee McCarthy.
The Song Room CEO, Alice Gerlach, said, “The ARIA Music Teacher Award shines a light on the power of music education to transform young people and their communities.”
Children involved in music in school tend to receive better grades, attend school more often, and experience less stress, anger, and loneliness.
As such, Gerlach says, “By growing confident, connected, thriving learners, music teachers play a profound role in the development of young people.”
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd added, “Over eight years, the ARIA Music Teacher of the Year Award has become one of the most loved and celebrated moments on the calendar. Not only during Australian music’s night of nights – the ARIA Awards – but across the year as artists and the music industry engage with schools right across the country.
“We’re so proud to bring it back again and, for the first time since launch, open the opportunity to new brands who want to join us in delivering this fantastic initiative.”
