three primary school students enjoying an arts learning music education lesson on ukuleles
colourful decoration of music and childlike shapes with imagine written in text

Our Purpose

We believe that every child has the right to succeed in life beginning with access to the arts at school.

two primary school students enjoying an arts learning music education lesson on African drums

The Need

In Australia, children experiencing disadvantage begin school behind their peers and continue to fall further behind as the years progress.

Despite extensive evidence that links music and arts-based programs with decreased absenteeism, better grades and improved wellbeing, the education equity gap continues to grow.

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    3 out of 4 schools miss out

    Many schools do not have access to a specialist music teacher. With 3 in 4 schools missing out, 1.7 million children go without a quality music education.1

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    3 years behind other students

    By the age of 15, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds are nearly 3 years behind in their education than their more advantaged peers.2

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    hours

    Less than 20 hours training

    Australian teachers receive an average of only 15-20 hours instruction in teaching the arts throughout their three-year teaching qualification.3

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    Complete less than 13 years schooling

    Disadvantaged children are less likely to perform well academically, attend school, or complete 13 years of schooling.4

We stand for

  • four primary school students enjoying an arts learning music education lesson on percussion instruments

    Creativity

    We value creativity as the foundation of original ideas and innovation.

  • four primary school students engaging an arts learning music education lesson as part of a singing choir

    Diversity

    We respect, embrace and appreciate that we are all different. Diversity allows us to explore our differences in a safe, positive and nurturing environment.

  • four primary school students standing proudly in front of indigenous art mural at their school

    Integrity

    We act with self-awareness, accountability and truthfulness.

  • two primary school students enjoying an arts learning music education lesson on movement and dance

    Empowerment

    We take initiative to build confidence and encourage others to contribute meaningfully to their own lives and the lives of others.

  • primary school students engaged an arts learning visual arts lesson with teaching artist and primary school teacher

    Collaboration

    We work together towards shared goals. A commitment to building strong relationships with partners and allies strengthens everything we do.

Our Performance

The work and success of The Song Room is made possible through a visionary group of government, corporate, and philanthropic supporters. Diligent and robust financial management contribute to a stable platform that enables effective and efficient use of our resources.

  • Stakeholder Funding 2022

    The Song Room receives funding for its valuable programs from a diverse range of sources:

    pie graph showing stakeholder funding breakdown of The Song Room
    • Government grants

    • Individual & general donations

    • Philanthropic trusts & foundations

    • Corporate donations

    • Other income

  • Funds Expenditure 2022

    The Song Room’s program delivery model supports low operational costs to ensure more funds are spent directly on improving the lives of Australian children:

    pie graph showing funds expenditure of The Song Room
    • Arts learning programs

    • Fundraising & marketing

    • Operations & governance