Developing Confidence and Capability in Music Education Aligned to the NSW Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus
This professional learning day is designed to directly support teacher readiness and curriculum implementation under the NSW Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus, equipping participants with practical resources, pedagogical strategies, and an informed perspective on the value of music in primary education.
This workshop is presented by the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Music in Me teacher mentoring program, and is designed to support primary teachers in strengthening their understanding and practice of music education. Through both practical and research-informed sessions, participants will explore effective strategies for teaching music across the primary years, with clear links to the new NSW Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus. The day will offer structured learning sequences, curriculum-aligned content, and frameworks for embedding music in both classroom practice and whole-school planning.
Session 1 | 9:00–10:30 AM
Creative Engagement with Music and Movement: Orff-Schulwerk in Practice
Facilitated by Dr Sue Lane
This session introduces participants to an Orff-Schulwerk approach to music education, developing musical skills and understanding through speech and singing, body percussion and movement, leading to active music-making and composition with sound sources. Activities are directly aligned to key practices in the new NSW syllabus, supporting music learning that is active, embodied, and connected across learning areas.
Key focus areas:
- Applying the interrelated practices of Performing, Composing, and Listening
- Supporting music learning through integrated, developmentally appropriate activities
- Exploring how music functions as a form of personal and cultural expression
Session 2 | 10:45–12:15 PM
Sequencing for Success: Structuring Music Learning Across K–6
Facilitated by Music in Me Mentors
This session builds on foundational practice by examining how musical understanding can be developed across a continuum from Kindergarten to Year 6. Teachers will unpack curriculum-aligned music learning sequences that move from simple to more complex.
Key focus areas:
- Structuring content to support progressive skill development
- Building teacher confidence in planning and delivery of music learning
- Aligning teaching with the learning outcomes of the new NSW Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus
Session 3 | 1:00–2:30 PM
Embedding Music Across the School: Strategic Approaches for School Leaders and Advocates
Presented by Dr Anita Collins
In this practical session, you’ll explore how music education can become a whole-school priority, not just a specialist subject. Drawing on current research in neuroscience and education, Dr Collins outlines the benefits of music learning for cognitive development, student wellbeing, and broader educational outcomes. Participants will consider how to communicate the value of music to colleagues, school leaders, and the wider community.
Key focus areas:
Developing practical tools for school-wide implementation and strategic planning
Understanding music’s role in supporting learning, wellbeing, and engagement
Using evidence to support whole-school advocacy and curriculum leadership
Thursday 17 September 2026 at NSW Teachers Federation, 23- 33 Mary Street, Surry Hills
All CPL courses run from 9am to 3pm.
$220
Please note, payment for courses is taken after the course takes place.
Bernie Heard is the National Manager of Music in Me at the Australian Youth Orchestra. Bernie is an experienced senior arts executive, her previous roles include Executive Director of Gondwana Choirs, CEO of Sydney Youth Orchestras, Director of Operations at Think & Do Tank Foundation and senior Education and Artist Development roles with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, working with the late Richard Gill AO.
Bernie completed a Churchill Fellowship in 2007, the Australia Council Emerging Leaders Program in 2012, and is currently completing an MBA at University of Sydney, Business School.
Dr. Anita Collins is an award-winning educator, researcher and writer in the field of brain development and music learning. She is internationally recognized for her unique work in translating the scientific research of neuroscientists and psychologists to the everyday parent, teacher and student.
Since 2016, Anita has interviewed over 100 neuroscientists and psychologists globally, advocating for the benefits of music learning in child development.
Anita gained prominence by writing the script for the TEDEd video, “How playing an instrument benefits your brain,” and her TEDx Talk, “What if every child had music education from birth?” She is well-known in Australia as the on-screen expert for the ABC documentary “Don’t Stop the Music.”
Awarded the Barbara Matthews Churchill Fellowship in 2016, Anita studied with top researchers in the US and Canada, followed by a sabbatical in 2017 to continue her studies in the US, Canada, and Germany. In 2019, she received the inaugural Australian Women in Music award for Music Education.
Dr. Sue Lane is a Lead Mentor with Music in Me teacher mentoring program, and a respected music education specialist. She is committed to supporting teachers to bring engaging music education experiences into their classrooms. Sue is particularly focused on the ongoing development of accessible resources for teachers in a variety of educational settings.
Sue worked for many years as a music specialist and classroom teacher in schools on the Central Coast of NSW, before lecturing in Music and Dance Education in the Early Childhood and Primary Teaching programs at the University of Newcastle, and more recently at the University of Technology, Sydney. She completed her PhD in 2019 and continues her research work related to arts education provision in Australian primary schools. Sue is an active committee member and presenter with Orff NSW, supporting educators in the exploration of creative music experiences. She also works as a music educator and presenter with Musica Viva Australia In Schools.