Telstra and Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) have announced nominations have opened for the seventh annual ARIA Music Teacher Award.
In partnership with Telstra and The Song Room, the Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award celebrates music education and the essential role that music teachers play in inspiring and championing the next generation of young creators, their schools, and communities.
Nominations are now open. Australia can show its support by nominating a music teacher who deserves recognition for their dedication to music education, their passion, and their commitment to their students.
A shortlist of nominees will be announced with the other ARIA Award nominations in September. Each shortlisted nominee will be partnered with an artist ambassador who will connect with the school and tell each music teacher’s story. Past ambassadors have included Jessica Mauboy, Tones and I, Ben Gillies, Baker Boy, Guy Sebastian, The Wiggles and Amy Shark.
2022 Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award winner Matt Orchard said: “As I began my ARIA journey, I had no idea just how much joy it would bring to so many people, many of whom I did not even know. Throughout the experience, there was an unspoken embracing from all that music and music education plays a crucial role in improving the mental health and well-being of kids right across the country in schools, and always has done.”
ARIA CEO, Annabelle Herd, said: “We are so proud to celebrate music education in this special way, seven years after launching our partnership with Telstra and The Song Room. Music teachers play a critical role in the growth of so many young people and the music room has long been a place of inspiration, comfort, creativity and self-expression for so many Australians, including most of our top artists. ARIA wants to celebrate the wonderful music teachers that create that space and have such an important impact on our community.”
Once nominees are announced, a public and music industry voting process will be conducted, with the announcement of the Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award winner taking place at the 2023 ARIA Awards.
Nominate your favourite music teacher for the Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award here.