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New The Song Room Program 'The Bridge' To Host Contemporary Artists In Primary Schools

Mary Varvaris

Figures such as trials, Ali McGregor and L-FRESH The LION are supporting The Song Room's new Ambassador Program.

trials
trials(Credit: Daniel Hendle Rankine)

The Song Room has unveiled a new program, The Bridge, which will install contemporary music creators into primary schools across the country. And it’s launching sooner than you think.

The groundbreaking new national program, supported by Creative Australia, embeds practising contemporary music creators into primary schools, marking the first initiative of its kind in Australia. With the launch, artists receive new paid, sustainable career opportunities, while young people will have access to new music experiences.

Along with the program, The Song Room has unveiled its new Ambassador Program, which is represented by trials, Ali McGregor, and L-FRESH The LION. The trio are committed to championing equitable access to arts education for all Australian children.

With The Bridge, Australian contemporary artists team up with a Song Room Teaching Artist. They showcase their creative abilities alongside The Song Room’s team’s educational expertise, receiving training, mentoring, and paid placements.

The Bridge officially launches in Term 2, 2026. The program will take place at the following schools with the following artists:

  • New South Wales: Green Square Public School. Ron Haryanto will co-deliver the program with Kelly Silburn

  • Queensland: Redbank State School. Tom Eggert co-delivers the program alongside Kathy Rappel

  • South Australia: Hallett Cove East Primary School. trials joins forces with Robyn Reuther

  • Western Australia: Orelia Primary School. Finn Pearson delivers the program with Gabbi Fusco

  • Victoria: Darrang Primary School. Kye leads the program alongside Michael Roper

Commenting on his participation in The Bridge and work with The Song Room, trials said, “Music gave me the voice I needed to sound like myself.

“The Bridge is about standing together to guarantee the next generation finds that same freedom. Opportunities are everything when you’re young, and I’m proud to pass on everything I’ve learned to ensure every door I’ve opened along the way stays open for them.”

The Song Room CEO Alice Gerlach added, “The Bridge strengthens Australia’s creative industry while giving young people the kind of transformative, arts‑rich experiences every child deserves.

“By investing in artists and bringing their practice into classrooms, we’re building skills, pathways and brighter futures.”

You can find out more about The Bridge here.