Introducing the 2023 Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award Nominees!

The Song Room is thrilled to support the Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award for a seventh year, and today we proudly join ARIA and Telstra to announce this year’s nominees!

This special ARIA Award helps shine a light on the importance of music education and the essential role that music teachers play, celebrating the incredible achievements of four outstanding music teachers from around Australia. Through the award we recognise the importance of music teachers to nurture the next generation of musicians and to set young people up for a brighter future.

Meet the 2023 Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award nominees!

Jess Copeman – Ainslie School

Jess was surprised by virtuosic singer-songwriter Kate Miller Heidke, who joined her to celebrate her nomination.

Over the last eight years as music teacher at Ainslie School, Jess’ program has changed the perception of music education’s value in the community, fostering a life-long love of music and creativity where students thrive.

Watch Jess’s story with ambassador Kate Miller Heidke here.

Sue Lowry – Southport Special School

Sue and her students were joined by children’s entertainer and former-Yellow Wiggle, Emma Watkins, to acknowledge her achievements.

Sue is a special school music teacher who for 10 years has created programs for her 225 intellectual and physically students to enjoy music alongside their mainstream peers.

Watch Sue’s story with ambassador Emma Watkins here.

Hank Lewerissa – Upper Coomer State College

Hank was joined by talented South Korean-born singer songwriter Dami Im to announce his nomination.

Hank has taught music in the Gold Coast region for over 40 years, inspiring generations of students. Hank’s career as a music teacher is so extensive, he now teaches some of his original students’ grandchildren.

Watch Hank’s story with ambassador Dami In here.

Peter Earl – Blue Mountains

Peter met with George Sheppard, singer from chart-topping band Sheppard, who give him the good news.

Peter is the founder of The Music Guy: an organisation that provides fun, inclusive concert band programs for primary school students in the Blue Mountains and Western Sydney region, as well as music education resources for teachers and students.

Watch Peter’s story with ambassador George Sheppard here.

Voting is Now Open!

​Vote now to acknowledge these inspiring music teachers!

The successful nominee will be presented with the 2023 Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award at the ARIA Awards on Wednesday 15 November. For more details go to aria.com.au.

This award shines a light on the well-documented benefits of music education, while highlighting the fact that three out of four Australian children still miss out on a specialised music teacher in their schools.

Voting for the Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award is now open! Cast your vote here.