THIS PROGRAM CONCLUDED IN JUNE 2019

The following graphics provide a brief summary of the program outcomes

The Musical Futures Professional Learning Program

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​The Musical Futures Australia Professional Learning Program is to support schools across the state to increase opportunities for all Victorian children and young people to access, participate in and experience quality music education programs.

​What is the purpose of the Musical Futures Professional Learning Program? 

The Musical Futures approach is designed to build the capacity of teachers and support the learning of students in years 3 to 9. By focusing on music as a classroom activity the expectation is that increased student opportunity and greater access to quality music learning will result in increased student engagement and improved learning outcomes.

Research has shown that this approach builds teacher capacity including greater confidence and capacity in their teaching, a re-connection with the teacher’s own musicianship and increased workplace satisfaction. This program will build leadership capacity in teachers, with the opportunity for participants to build specialist knowledge and to support the learning of colleagues.

​Since the program comnmenced in August 2015 nearly 800 schools and more than 1,400 teachers throughout Victoria have been involved. 

Expressions of Interest for a fourth cohort of teachers and schools, both primary and secondary are now open with workshops taking place during Semester 1 2019. Apply via the Expression of Interest below or online.

wHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM?

• ​Musical Futures Australia will deliver teacher professional learning programs between 2015-2019 suitable for generalist primary teachers, secondary teachers and specialist music teachers. The  next round of workshops will commence in Semester 1, 2019.
• The Musical Futures approach is one of whole of class music-making that is practical, relevant and engaging to the student. It focuses on students acquiring foundational skills in music including playing instruments such as guitar, keyboard, drums, bass, with singing and musicianship as well as aural and visual musical literacies. The approach extends to include song writing and improvisation. ​
• Schools are now invited to submit Expressions of Interest for teachers to participate in three professional learning workshops that will commence in early 2019.  The initial program will be delivered over two days with workshops planned to commence in late February 2019 and conclude by the end of Term 2, 2019
• These professional learning days will equip the participants to deliver Musical Futures programs in the classroom.  ​
• The third professional learning workshop will be in the form of an extension opportunity covering such areas as songwriting, vocal workshops, improvisation, music production and technology. Teachers can choose from these workshops based on their interests or needs. These extension workshops will be held  during the early part of 2019 . ​
• The program including training, materials and resources, workshops and follow up is provided free of charge to Victorian government and Catholic system schools ​
• The Musical Futures Professional Learning Program is suitable for both primary and secondary teachers, with workshops tailored accordingly.

MUSICAL FUTURES....IT'S THE WAY WE LEARN

​Musical Futures is an innovative and exciting approach to music education that places the learner and their love of music at the heart of the music experience.  Through a combination of informal learning and non-formal teaching Musical Futures participants are immersed in the powerful act of making music – starting with the music that they know and love.
 
Working in dynamic, interactive musical communities, learners develop a sense of confidence in their ability to be the musician, learning to create, produce and listen to music in ways that are deep and lasting.

So what defines Musical Futures in practice?

Musical Futures supports and develops high quality teaching and learning of music in the classroom. 

• A variety of non-formal and informal teaching and learning approaches grounded in secure pedagogy
• Practical work on instruments/voice, creating authentic musical experiences in whole class making possible the universal provision of music learning across individual classrooms, schools and school systems
• An aural learning approach that develops "sound before symbol", fully integrating listening with practical music making, improvising and composing
• Musical Futures learning is student centred learning.  Students are motivated and engaged by music they value and that is relevant to them, before moving onto other musical and learning styles
• Technique, notation and other forms of written instruction are part of the process but are developed through practical playing
• Teachers and practitioners act as facilitators, through showing rather than telling, and through guiding and modelling rather than instructing

For more information download the Musical Futures Quick Summary

wHAT EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCES AND RESOURCES ARE NEEDED

​To be effective the program requires that the school have as a minimum one class set of instruments so that there is a least one instrument per student.  The program has been designed around low cost instruments such acoustic guitars, ukulele's, electronic keyboards and percussion.  

To commence the program schools will need to commit to purchasing or locating the following core equipment, some of which the school may already have:

Core musical equipment*:

• 15 acoustic guitars (¾ size nylon string guitars are recommended) or Ukuleles can substitute for the acoustic guitars
• 6 keyboards (61 keys recommended)

Aside from the instruments listed above all that is required are teaching resources such as projector, screen and audio system and a classroom where the instruments can be stored (on walls) and accessed easily. 

All other teaching and student resources and materials are provided.
 
Don't have the instruments you need?
It is very likely that at least some of the instruments you need are sitting unused in the homes of your school community, typically in the backs of cupboards or under the beds!  In many cases these instruments could be the ones you use to use to start your program.
 
Why not ask your school community to donate unused or unwanted instruments to assist with implementing this program.  In all likelihood they will be able to help with at least some of what you need.

* Musical Futures may be able to help schools struggling to secure sufficient instruments.  These instruments would be provided at no charge (though freight charges may be applied)


Additional and recommended musical equipment: 
To further develop the approach the following additional items are recommended.  These items are not necessary when commencing the program but will over time enhance the learning experience, increase student engagement and result in a sustainable, quality program:

• Electronic Drum kits (such as the Roland TD-1) 
• Bass Guitars 
• Amplifiers (such as a KC-150 Roland multi-channel amp for use with bass, microphones and keyboards)
• At least 2 Microphones and leads
• A small vocal PA system
• 30 pair Drumsticks

Any questions or requests for further information should be directed to:
Ian Harvey, Musical Futures Australia, ian@musicalfuturesaustralia.org or 
by calling either 9507 2315 or 0402 047 795
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teachers aND tHEir MUSICAL BACKGROUND

The Musical Futures Australia Professional Learning Program has been created with both primary and secondary, generalist and music specialist teachers in mind.  Because it is an approach to the teaching and learning of music and not a fixed curriculum or syllabus it is flexible enough to be used in a variety of settings.  There are also extensive support materials to assist in the preparation and delivery of classes. 
The professional development program takes the form of three workshops two of which are core. They are streamed for either primary or secondary teachers. There is the option of attending a third workshop from a series that includes vocals, songwriting, improvisation, music technology or music production.

In addition to the workshops, teachers will be provided with ongoing support as well as teaching materials and resources.

Your musical background

​The program is available to all teachers who are wanting to develop their skills and confidence in music. Having some background in making music though is an advantage.  Perhaps you played piano or keyboard, guitar or another instrument as a student.  That would be enough to get you started.   

Of course if you are a specialist music teacher already then your participation in the program will add to your existing skills and experience.

We are though especially seeking general primary classroom teachers who have some background in music. Perhaps you have played or sung in the past or are currently active in music making outside the classroom.  For teacher 's involved in the Music.Count Us In program this would be the ideal next step.

Any questions or requests for further information should be directed to:
Ian Harvey, Musical Futures Australia, ian@musicalfuturesaustralia.org or 
by calling either 9507 2315 or 0402 047 795

What IS REQUIRED OF THE school? 

• Supporting participating teacher/s with release for 3 days of professional learning (click here for the current schedule)
• Supporting the development of quality music education in the school through the implementation of the Musical Futures Program
• Provision of a minimum set of musical instruments as outlined in the Equipment and Resources section above
• Participating in the professional learning initiative for 18 months, building sustainability of music education at the school level
• Providing a space that can accommodate instrument storage (on walls mainly)
• Participate in the program evaluation that accompanies the implementation, including submitting student data and responding to relevant surveys

Workshop schedule and key dates

Cohort 4 - Commencing February 2019
Application process

Prior to February 22, 2019    Schools forward their expressions of interest to Musical Futures Australia              
February 28, 2019                       School advised of workshop program
From March 18 to                        Workshop program (dates and locations to be advised before February 28
June 28, 2019
                  

Initial workshop dates and locations

Teachers will be involved in two workshops (Just Play and Groove Your Classroom) between February  and June 2019.  

Subject to demand the Musical Futures Australia workshops are planned for:
·         West Gippsland
·         Central Victoria (Bendigo)
·         North East Victoria (Wangaratta/Shepparton)
·         Western Victoria (Warrnambool)
·         Geelong/Barwon
·         Melbourne – East  
·         Melbourne – North
·         Melbourne - Central
·         Melbourne - West
·         Melbourne – South East

Workshop dates and locations will be confirmed in early term 1, 2019 ​

expression of interest and guidelines

 at the bottom of this page Expressions of Interest now open for the 2019 workshop program

The Department of Education and Training (DET) is seeking Expressions of Interest from Victorian government schools to participate in the Musical Futures Professional Learning Program throughout 2015 to 2019 to support the delivery of quality music education in Victorian schools.   

These Guidelines will assist schools and teachers to determine the appropriateness of this initiative for their school and to complete the Expression of Interest Form.  

Download the Expression of Interest  (EoI) which you will find below or apply online.

​Completed expressions of interest are to be emailed to:
Ian Harvey, Musical Futures Australia, ian@musicalfuturesaustralia.org
by Friday February 22, 2019
or can be faxed to 9507 2316 or posted to 
Musical Futures, Suite 148/45 Glenferrie Road, Malvern VIC 3144
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For further information you can also call either 9507 2315 or 0411 694 710

​Inquiries, questions or further information should be directed to:
Ken Owen, Musical Futures Australia, ken@musicalfuturesaustralia.org or 
by calling either 9507 2315 or 0411 694 710

Download the Expression of Interest.  Applications for Semester 1, 2019 workshops close on February 22, 2019

mfa_professional_learning_eoi_and_guidelines_2019__cohort_4_final_.docx
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