Music Australia launches new national initiative to expand songwriting and recording opportunities for students

Music Australia is proud to announce the launch of the National Songwriting and Recording in Schools Stimulus, a new matched funding initiative designed to support high-quality, inclusive contemporary songwriting and recording programs for students across Australia. 

As a directive of the Australian Government's National Cultural Policy Revive, Music Australia was charged with delivering songwriting and recording initiatives in schools. 

In May this year, Music Australia released More than Notes on a Page: The Music Education Ecosystem in Australia, a deep dive analysis that provided the current state and direct economic contribution of Australia’s music education sector, along with mapping the music education ecology and identifying the enabling infrastructure. This first of a kind snapshot provided actionable insights from which the National Songwriting and Recording in Schools Stimulus has been developed. 

The new fund will provide between $5,000 and $100,000 in matched funding to support contemporary songwriting and recording programs for primary, secondary and tertiary students in schools, TAFEs, universities, music academies and other educational settings across Australia. 

Designed to strengthen pathways into contemporary music, the initiative will support a diverse range of activities including songwriting workshops, artist residencies, recording and production programs, mobile recording studio projects, curriculum-aligned learning opportunities, co-teaching models, teacher professional development and programs that connect students with industry knowledge and career pathways. 

The National Songwriting and Recording in Schools Stimulus prioritises activities that expand access to high-quality songwriting and recording learning opportunities, particularly for young people in regional, remote and outer suburban areas, and where access to these opportunities is otherwise limited. The program places a strong emphasis on inclusion and equity, First Nations leadership and partnerships, sustainable delivery models, local community delivery and benefit, and building capability among educators, mentors and music providers. 

Director of Music Australia Millie Millgate said: 

 “Songwriting and recording are at the heart of contemporary music creation, yet access to these opportunities can vary significantly depending on where a young person lives or learns. The National Songwriting and Recording in Schools Stimulus is designed to help bridge that gap by supporting schools, educators and industry partners to deliver meaningful, high-quality contemporary music experiences that foster creativity, build skills and create pathways into further education and careers. Along with empowering the next generation of Australian songwriters, producers and music makers, the program seeks to instil a lifelong love and valuing of music.” 

The initiative is open to a broad range of organisations including government, Catholic and independent primary and secondary schools, TAFEs, universities, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), community conservatoria, local councils, specialist music providers and collaborative consortia that include educational institutions. 

Music Australia encourages applications that bring together schools, educators, artists, producers, recording studios, community organisations and industry partners to create meaningful and enduring songwriting and recording opportunities for students. 

Through a matched funding model, the initiative aims to support programs that not only deliver creative outcomes, but also leave lasting impact through stronger partnerships, increased educator capability, sustainable resources and clearer pathways between education and Australia's contemporary music industry. 

Applications are now open and close 13 October 2026 at 3pm AEDT. Successful activities must commence no earlier than 27 January 2027 and be completed by 31 December 2027. 

For more information on eligibility and how to apply visit our website.