Last night, Matt Orchard was announced the winner of the 2022 Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award. Congratulations Matt!

The ARIA’s were back live and in-person for the first time since 2019. Our four nominees for the music teacher award soaked up the glamour of the occasion, walking the red-carpet before the big ceremony.

Matty was honoured to receive the award, presented on the night by The Wiggles, before a crowd full of music industry and celebrities at The Hordern Pavilion on Gadigal land.

“I’d just like to thank Telstra, ARIA and The Song Room for shining a light on the fact that music, and music education, plays a crucial role in improving the mental health and wellbeing of kids right across the country in school. I think as musicians we’ve known this for quite some time, and it’s great it’s being recognized on such a huge scale.”

– Matt Orchard, 2022 Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award winner.

For two decades, Matt has harnessed the power of Rock music and years of performance experience to encourage confidence and creative expression in his students at Apollo Bay P-12 College.

“Matt’s passion and commitment to quality music education is infectious. He has built something very special at Apollo Bay School with his “House of Rock” music program, which has brought positive change to his students over many years. Thanks to Matt and his music program, the young people of Apollo Bay have developed both music and life skills that they will carry with them as they go out into the world. Congratulations Matt on your enormous impact.”

– Alice Gerlach CEO, The Song Room.

Now in its sixth year, the Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award has continued to grow in popularity. Thousands of votes poured in from around the country from those showing support for the four incredible music educators nominated.

It’s been remarkable to watch the public’s response to this award.

Introduced by The Song Room and ARIA, it celebrates Australia’s music educators as well as helping to shine a light on the importance of music education. This year’s nominees once again demonstrate how transformative a high-quality music education can be. For young people, it can build confidence, create a sense of belonging, and improve their wellbeing. The support for the award has strengthened our resolve to continue celebrating all music teachers, who are making a huge impact on the lives of students across the country.

The Song Room and ARIA would like to thank everyone who voted, entered and supported the award. Special thanks go to the other three ARIA nominated teachers Kath Dunn, Jane Nicholas and David Collins-White who all run exceptional music programs and inspire us every day. We are extremely proud to showcase the influence music teachers have on our children, setting them up for a bright future.

We are proud to showcase the influence music teachers have on our children, setting them up for a bright future.

Creative kids are brighter kids. And the great work achieved by music teachers around the country is something we all agree is worth celebrating!

Congratulations Matt!

You can watch Matt’s story here, as well as his acceptance speech on ARIA’s Youtube channel. You can also view the full ceremony on 9Now here.