Music in schools

Music in Schools is provided by the Department of Education at no cost to schools.

Music in Schools (MiS) 2025–26 aims to strengthen whole school planning to deliver quality music education and to build capability to implement the Victorian Curriculum F-6: The Arts, Music, including assessment and reporting.

MiS 2025-26 is targeted to support generalist classroom teachers and nominated specialists with limited or no classroom music experience or qualifications.

MiS includes flexible in-class and online mentoring and coaching, delivered by experienced music educators over terms 2 and 3 during 2025 and 2026. It also includes a series of workshops for school leaders and participating teachers during 2025 and 2026.

Participating schools will receive grants for reimbursement of casual relief teacher costs, as well as up to $4,000 to buy or hire musical instruments and related classroom music resources.

Music in Schools (MiS) 2024-25 is available to Victorian Government primary, P-12 (primary) and special schools. Schools must meet one or more of the following eligibility criteria:

• not currently delivering a curriculum-aligned music program for students in Prep to Year 6
• needs assistance to start or establish a music program
• has generalist teachers delivering music education, or has nominated specialist teachers with limited experience or no qualification in music education

Schools must be able to commit to participation across the duration of the program (2 years). As part of the program, participants will need to have the opportunity to deliver the music curriculum over terms 2 and 3 in 2024 and 2025.

Preference will be given to schools that have not previously participated in the Music in Schools program. Returning schools may not be eligible to receive grant funding for the purchase of musical instruments and resources.

Places in Music in Schools are limited to 40 Victorian government schools per cohort. Two teachers per school are encouraged to participate. Expressions of Interest are now open and will close at 11.59 pm on Friday 11 October 2024.

The department will notify schools about the outcome of their application and next steps before the end of term 4 2024.

• Schools will initially be required to use their own funds to purchase the music education resources they need to participate in Music in Schools 2024–25 (department and teaching experts will support schools in their selection of resources), which will be reimbursed by the department.
• When considering purchases, schools are asked to consider storage and security of musical instruments and administration associated with the registration of new instruments. Note: Insurance of musical equipment is covered by the School Equipment Coverage Scheme.
• The department will create Initiative Agreements for the program and communicate administrative arrangements, including grant funding allocations, to school business managers.
• Reimbursement requests must be made through the department’s Schools Targeted Funding Portal. Reimbursements will be processed in accordance with department’s Schools Targeted Funding Governance Model. For more information refer to: Schools Targeted Funding Governance.
• For all enquiries related to use of the department's Schools Targeted Funding Portal please email schools.targeted.funding.governance@education.vic.gov.au