The Australia Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has announced the 2023 Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award nominees in partnership with Telstra and supported by The Song Room.
In its seventh year, the Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award helps highlight the importance of music education, celebrating the achievements of standout music teachers from around the country.
Every year, the public help determine the winner of the Award, with the winner announced at the ARIA Awards on 15 November, broadcast on Channel Nine and Stan.
The nominees include:
• Jess Copeman – Ainslie School, Ngunnawal Country, Canberra, ACT
• Peter Earl – The Music Guy, Dharug and Gundungurra Country, The Blue Mountains, NSW
• Hank Lewerissa – Upper Coomera State College, Yugambeh Country, Gold Coast, QLD
• Sue Lowry – Southport Special School, Yugambeh Country, Gold Coast, QLD
ARIA CEO, Annabelle Herd, said: “For the last seven years this very special award supported by Telstra and The Song Room, has helped shine a light on the remarkable effect of music education on students and the wider community. The four nominees for 2023 are not only amazing music teachers but exemplary members of society.
“We are absolutely honoured to celebrate their stories and illustrate the power of enthusiastic and dedicated music teachers, who set students on a path to love and respect music with a life-long passion, and sometimes, a music career that gives joy and impacts lives around the world.”
Telstra Media, sponsorship & awards principal, Genelle Sharples, said: “Telstra is extremely proud to provide continued support for the Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award in 2023. We look forward to the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate exceptional music teachers who have inspired children around Australia.”
The Song Room CEO, Alice Gerlach, said: “Music education provides more than just the opportunity to participate in music at school – it helps young people to grow their confidence, connect with their peers, develop as life-long learners and even succeed in other subject areas. I am so inspired by these exceptional music teachers. Congratulations to the four nominees.”
Voting is now open here.
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