The Victorian Government is helping to find our next home-grown hitmakers by supercharging the songwriting in schools program, SongMakers.
$2 million has been provided to expand APRA AMCOS’ SongMakers program which will kick off this week and roll out to 60 high schools across the state over the next two years – the biggest program of its kind in the country.
SongMakers will see leading Victorian artists and music experts mentor students in songwriting and the skills required to forge a career in music, including music production and intellectual property.
Aimed at students in years 10-12, SongMakers includes in-person workshops in metropolitan and regional schools as well as workshops in partnership with Virtual School Victoria. A separate school holiday program will roll out in regional locations, as well as a pilot program tailored to schools offering flexible learning.
The Victorian Government’s investment will enable over 1400 young people to take part in the program, provide professional development for 200 teachers and provide employment opportunities to over 200 artists and music industry workers.
Standout students will be invited to take part in intensive programs that will see them produce and then perform their own original songs under the guidance of mentors and music industry organisations The Push and Music Victoria.
SongMakers is open to all Victorian secondary schools – those wishing to participate can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) at www.songmakers.com.au