Nominees for the 2017 ARIA Awards announced

Renee McCatrhy Woodcroft College, music teacher finalist

ARIA has announced the nominees for the 2017 ARIA Awards with Apple Music across all categories, including the inaugural ARIA Music Teacher of the Year Award, presented in conjunction with The Song Room and sponsored by Telstra. 

This new ARIA Award has been introduced to celebrate music teachers for their passion and hard work in educating Australian children to play and love music. The Award is open to any teacher working in a school, kindergarten, early childhood centre, youth centre or private tuition music school running a music program. Anyone from around Australia  – from students, school administrators, to friends, neighbours and family - can nominate a worthy music teacher for consideration.

Research into The Song Room’s programs has proved that children involved in music at school achieve better grades, attend school more often and improve their self-esteem and confidence, and experience less stress, depression, loneliness and anger.

The four teacher nominees are: Alex Manton Asquith Girls High School, Asquith NSW; Julie Layt Crescent Lagoon State School, Rockhampton QLD; Renee McCatrhy Woodcroft College, Morphett Vale SA; and Stephen McEwan, Bellarine Secondary College, Drysdale VIC.

Alex Manton credits her programs at Asquith Girls with encouraging students to find their passion for music. “I go to great lengths to ensure all students are capable of playing or singing in ensemble situations. Differentiating to suit my students’ abilities is essential."

Because of the inclusive approach to her music programs, which incorporate Auslan for students with hearing impairments, Julie Layt says students are happy to come to music class and love to perform. “For me, the obvious thing is the confidence and joy that is instilled by performing especially in a group situation."

“Music keeps students involved in positive activities, establishes connections with others and develops confidence.” says Renee McCarthy. “he buzz about music at Woodcroft is a talking point around the community.”

Stephen McEwan's music program has created a safe learning environment where students have expressed that music is the only thing that keeps them at school. “We make music fun and work with passion. We learn together, create together, play together, sing together, and explore the many possibilities that music has to offer together," he says.

The nominee's video clips and voting are online and winners will be announced on 27 November on the Nine Network.