Music in Me
16 April 2025
2025 National Mentor Conference
On April 10-11, 2025, Music in Me mentors gathered from across Australia (New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Victoria, the Northern Territory and Western Australia) to take part in the National Mentor Conference for Music in Me.
Fifty-one mentors joined in two days of specialised professional learning, taking time out of their busy end of term schedule to come together and learn in a rich environment of sharing. Mentors spent the time collaborating and building our community of passionate and excellent music educators and mentors.
Day 1
Day 1 featured the inspiring Bronwyn Ryrie Jones unpacking the skills required for being a successful mentor. Some fascinating discussion about exploring domain specific expertise, coaching teachers, setting meaningful goals, and leading reflective conversations.
Dr Anita Collins from Bigger Better Brains joined us at our Conference dinner to present an inspiring keynote, sharing her rich experience on building musical teachers, and therefore building musical schools.
Day 2
On Day 2, Professor Margaret Barrett of Monash University explored the integral role of musical playfulness in children’s learning, her ongoing research in our model of mentoring, and the impact that has on mentors, teachers and students.
Dr Robyn Staveley shared her research in cognitive neuroscience, exploring memory and movement and the implications for teaching music.
Emily Albert and Judith Bowtell from Music Education: Right from the Start spoke of their work advocating nationally for all young people to have access to quality, sequential music education.
Across the two days we were heartened by the collective’s expertise and generosity. Music in Me recognises the value of building this network of passionate music educators.
Thank you so much for providing this incredible opportunity. I’m genuinely grateful for every aspect of the conference — the outstanding presenters, the seamless coordination, the deep respect shown for our work as music educators, and the rich, inspiring connections formed. I walked away feeling uplifted, energised, and more passionate than ever about the role we play in shaping music education. This experience has reignited my drive and ambition, and I am so excited for what lies ahead.
– Kane Wheatley, 2025 Mentor
Music teaching often feels isolating so connecting with other passionate music educators with a wealth of experience and knowledge was very encouraging.
– Lindsey Forster, 2025 Mentor
Words can’t express how much it meant to me to be among colleagues, to find my tribe. At the Music in Me conference, I finally felt like an integral part of something big and important.
– Jocelyn Moen, 2025 Mentor
Education Advisor for Music in Me
National Manager of Music in Me
We are grateful for our partners and supporters, especially the Australian Government, Office for the Arts; the Sydney Conservatorium High School; Australian Youth Orchestra; NSW Department of Education; The Arts Unit; Sydney Catholic Schools; and the Australian Society for Music Education WA Chapter (ASME WA).
Photo: Brett Scapin