19 November 2025
AYO Music in Me: A decade of transforming music education in schools
The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Music in Me, a pioneering teacher mentoring program that has reshaped how music is taught and experienced in Australian primary schools.
Founded in 2015 by the late Richard Gill AO, Music in Me began as a small pilot with a bold vision: that every child in Australia should have access to quality music education, regardless of postcode or school resources. Today, it is a national network of mentors and teachers, which has to date supported over 1,100 educators and reaching 14,000 students annually across five states.
“Teachers are at the heart of Music in Me. Our mentors walk alongside classroom teachers, building confidence and practical skills that last well beyond the program. The impact ripples out — to students, to colleagues, to school culture. It’s about growing capacity within the profession and keeping the joy of teaching alive,” said Bernie Heard, Director of Music in Me.
“Ten years on, Music in Me continues to prove that when you invest in teachers, you transform classrooms. We’ve seen what’s possible when music becomes part of every child’s week — schools are more vibrant, teachers more confident, and students more engaged.”
Bernie Heard, Director of Music in Me
New National Research Project
To mark the 10-year milestone, AYO has partnered with Professor Margaret Barrett of Monash University to launch a national research project examining the long-term impact of Music in Me’s mentoring model on teacher wellbeing, retention, and professional growth.
The researcher team is keen to hear from past mentors, mentored teachers or school leaders who have been involved in the program. “Those who have been part of this program – as a mentors, participating teachers, or school leaders – have first-hand insight into the powerful impact that mentoring can have on classroom practice, teacher wellbeing, and student learning,” said Heard.
“By sharing your story, you’re helping us make the case for why programs like Music in Me are essential – not only for student outcomes, but for the sustainability and wellbeing of our teaching workforce.”
About Music in Me
Music in Me (formerly the National Music Teacher Mentoring Program) exists to create opportunities for every child to access quality music education in the classroom across remote, regional, and metropolitan Australia. It is a foundational music education program that upskills primary classroom teachers through a scalable and sustainable approach to mentoring.
Since establishment in 2015, tens of thousands of students nationally have received a foundational music education through the upskilling of classroom teachers. The program operates in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, with a pilot commencing in Queensland for 2026.
Music in Me is delivered nationally by AYO, with support from federal and state governments and philanthropic partners. It aligns with the Revive National Cultural Policy and UNESCO’s Arts Education Framework and continues to advocate for equity in arts access and sustainable music education.
From digital resources like Let’s Sing! with ABC Education, to the annual Music in Me Summit, the program is investing in the future – growing a new generation of mentors, expanding reach, and creating culturally relevant resources that celebrate First Nations stories through song.
“Music in Me strives to ensure every child in Australia has access to quality music education — regardless of where they live or what resources their school has. That means students actively engaging in music: singing, playing, creating and responding. It’s through this participation that music learning delivers its greatest benefits — building skills, confidence and a sense of belonging.”
Bernie Heard
Schools and Mentors Invited to Join in 2026
AYO is now inviting schools and mentors to register for the 2026 program. Participation is open to primary schools across Australia, with a focus on regional, remote, and lower ICSEA communities. “An investment in bringing a mentor to your school is an investment in your students, your teachers, and your whole school culture,” said Heard. “Music brings the joy back into the classroom — it connects, inspires and sustains.”