Nominees for Telstra Aria Music Teacher of the Year Award

Telstra, ARIA and The Song Room have announced the nominees for the 2019 Telstra ARIA Music Teacher of the Year Award.

The nominees are Antonio Chiappetta from St  Andrews  College  in  Sydney,  Julia Rennick  from Gunnedah Conservatorium in Gunnedah, Bel Skinner from North Regional TAFE in Broome and Lee Strickland from Narbethong State Special School in Brisbane.

Four ARIA Ambassadors, Conrad Sewell, Katie Noonan, Montaigne and yellow wiggle Emma Watkins, surprised the chosen music educators and their students at their schools, to celebrate their nomination and shine a light on the importance of music education in young people’s lives.

The Telstra ARIA Music Teacher of the Year Award recognises music teachers for their passion and hard work in providing Australian children with a better education and the chance to play and enjoy music.

The ARIA award winning band Sheppard awarded the 2018 ARIA Music Teacher of the Year Award to Scott Maxwell from Grant High School in Mount Gambier, South Australia. Scott was overwhelmed by the support he received and noted the importance of validating music education through this award.

“Music is so important, it’s life changing. It is such an honour to be recognised as a leader in transforming lives and inspiring others through music.” he said.

Dan Rosen, Chief Executive for ARIA said: “Together with our partners Telstra and The Song Room, we  are thrilled to present this  year's four incredible nominees. Without their work, and the work of music teachers all around the country, we would not be able to   inspire the next generation of Australian music talent and ARIA Award winners. I   encourage everyone to discover the amazing stories behind this  year's  nominees and  to show their support by voting.”