The ACMF is growing. We are thrilled to announce the launch of classroom music programs in three new high-need communities. This expansion is made possible by a mix of visionary foundation grant support and the generosity of our individual donors.
Carlton Primary (VIC): A Unique Community Hub
In Victoria, the Gandel Foundation has enabled us to partner with Carlton Primary School. This is an exciting and unusual school, housed in a multi-level building that acts as a community hub. The building also contains childcare and a range of social services to help families integrate into Australian life.
The vast majority of students live in the commission housing right next door . Many of whom have recently migrated to Australia. Our teaching musician, Ash, noted that despite being in the heart of Melbourne, the students live in a world that can feel very small.
“Most of the kids and families don’t leave the immediate area around the flats,” Ash explains. “When I started and asked who had a favorite song or instrument, the vast majority said they didn’t listen to music and didn’t know any songs. Compared to other schools, this is highly unusual. It gives you a sense of how big an opportunity this is for them.”
With 91% of students coming from a language background other than English and 57% in the bottom quartile of socio-educational advantage, building trust was the first priority. Ash spent the first few weeks simply joining normal classes to get to know the kids. Now, there is an “insatiable hunger” to play.
“I can see that music can play a really big role in helping these students in their studies and home lives – giving them outlets for self expression, opening up a world that they have largely not seen before.”
Matraville Public (NSW): Breaking the Language Barrier
In Sydney’s east, the Waratah Education Foundation is supporting our new program at Matraville Public School. With 70% of students coming from a language background other than English, music serves as a vital universal language. It allows students to connect, collaborate, and express themselves without the barriers of traditional classroom communication.
Kilsyth Primary (VIC): Funded by You
Finally, thank you to all our individual donors for helping us fund our new program at Kilsyth Primary School. 81% of students are in the bottom two quartiles of socio-educational advantage (50% in the bottom quartile). Your individual contributions are directly ensuring these children don’t miss out on the developmental benefits of music.
The “Why” Behind the Growth
All three schools had identified a musical capability gap and wanted to partner with us to bring the power of music to their students. Across all three schools, the goal remains the same: giving children the freedom to express themselves and a doorway into new cultures. As Ash puts it, music is “at odds with the rule and order-based system of classroom education.” It allows these students to try things, fail safely, and be proud of what they create.
