Learning Through Music Together
More than 260 teachers, artists, researchers and education leaders gathered in Sydney for the Music in Me Summit 2026, a national day of professional learning and music-making presented by the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Music in Me program. Guided by the theme Many Voices. One Classroom, the summit created opportunities for educators from across Australia to explore innovative approaches to music education while building connections with peers and industry leaders.
Held at the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s ACO on the Pier venue on Monday 20 July the summit welcomed 267 attendees and featured 31 presenters, organisations and trade table partners, reflecting the growing national community committed to ensuring every child has access to meaningful music education. Delegates travelled from metropolitan, regional, remote and interstate communities, representing government and non-government schools, universities, conservatoriums and arts organisations.
Bernie Heard, Director of the Music in Me Program, said the summit demonstrated the transformative power of educators learning through music together.
“That spirit sat at the heart of the Music in Me Summit 2026. Guided by the theme Many Voices. One Classroom., the Summit brought together teachers, artists, researchers and education leaders from across Australia to explore what quality music education can look like in diverse and contemporary learning environments.”
“Teachers travelled from metropolitan, regional and remote communities to learn together, exchange ideas and reconnect with the purpose that brought them to music education in the first place. In doing so, they demonstrated something we know to be true: when educators are given opportunities to learn and make music together, the benefits extend far beyond the event itself and into classrooms, schools and communities across the country.”
Inclusion, Creativity and Cultural Connection
The summit program combined shared sessions with hands-on elective workshops designed to inspire immediate classroom application. Highlights included the joyful opening Big Sing! led by Sydney Children’s Choir’s Lachlan Massey, a live recording of ABC Classic’s Music Class hosted by Genevieve Lang featuring Dr Anita Collins, Dr Sue Lane, Carla Trott and AYO musicians, and an inspiring conversation between ABC Classic’s Genevieve Lang and Sydney Symphony Orchestra Chief Conductor Simone Young. The day concluded with The Bigger Sing!, an uplifting celebration of song, Auslan and First Nations language led by Rachel Scott, Olivia Coe Fox and Neenan Simpson.
Delegates also participated in a diverse range of elective sessions covering inclusion, cultural diversity, neuroscience, First Nations music, classroom practice and creative learning. Workshops included Supporting Every Mind with Bronte Arns from The Autism Hub, Creative Ideas in K–6 Classrooms with Dr Sue Lane, The Flexible Brain with Dr Anita Collins, Engaging Ngarra Burria in the Classroom presented by the Australian Music Centre, and a panel discussion exploring cultural diversity in music education.
Feedback from delegates highlighted the impact of the day, with participants describing the summit as “perfectly pitched”, “reinvigorating” and filled with practical ideas that could be implemented immediately in classrooms. Others reflected on the importance of music education in fostering inclusion, creativity, connection and cultural understanding among students.
For Bernie Heard, the summit’s success rested on the collective generosity of presenters, partners and educators.
“Thank you to every presenter, partner, delegate and supporter who contributed to the Music in Me Summit 2026. Your expertise, generosity and belief in the value of music education continue to strengthen this growing national community.”
The Impact Continues Beyond the Summit
With educators returning to schools and communities across Australia equipped with new ideas, practical strategies and valuable professional connections, the impact of the summit will continue to be felt well beyond the event itself. As the Music in Me community grows, the Australian Youth Orchestra remains committed to supporting teachers and championing access to high-quality music education for young people nationwide.
Read the full Music in Me Summit 2026 Wrap Up Report (PDF) for detailed session highlights, delegate feedback and event photography. See the music making joy of the day through our photo gallery.
