ARIA Announce The Official Music Teacher Award Nominees For 2024
ARIA has selected four dedicated educators who have significantly contributed to the music environment in their community.
Susan Sukkar, Hayley Wedding, Casey Allen, and Nathaniel Miller (Supplied)
While the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) is gearing up to honour this year’s most accomplished artists at November’s ARIA Awards, the association will also highlight the vital role of music teachers, who educate and inspire each generation’s music creators.
Pairing up with The Song Room, ARIA has announced the nominees for the ARIA Music Teacher Awards, which aim to " shine a light on the importance of music education to improve students’ wellbeing, learning, and community connection.”
All teachers received the news of their nomination via the correspondence of musical ambassadors visiting them at their schools.
This year’s musical ambassadors included Meg Mac, Sarah McLeod, Emma Memma, and Jessica Mauboy.
This year’s nominees list includes four lucky teachers from South Australia, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales. “From reconnecting students with traditional languages through song to fostering inclusive music programs,” these teachers have gone a step beyond to ignite their students' passion for music.
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Without further ado, here are this year’s nominees:
Hayley Wedding
Seaview High School, Seacombe Heights, Kaurna Country, SA
Hayley is dedicated to empowering students through music, having created Seaview High School’s Innovative Scholarship Immersion Program. This program was designed to remove financial barriers for students interested in music, allowing those who may not have otherwise had a chance to learn a new skill. Hayley is also a strong advocate for student feedback on her curriculum, giving her students a voice to advocate what learning styles work best for them.
With Hayley’s program having increased participation in music learning from a mere 6% to 43% in three years, it’s fair to say that Hayley has created an environment where every student is given the resources to thrive in music.
Nathaniel Miller
Bulman School, Bulman Community, Arnhem Land, NT
Nathaniel’s passion for music has always been a huge part of his values, from idolising his musician father to becoming a self-taught musician himself within Arnhem land in the Northern Territory. Teaching at Bulman School, Nathaniel creates a safe space for music and culture to intertwine, teaching kids how to play instruments, write songs, and perform in English and native languages. Being able to incorporate the rich culture of the Bulman Community into his teachings, Nathaniel has encouraged students to reconnect with their heritage through music.
Susan Sukkar
Petersham Public School, Lewisham, Gadigal and Wangal Country, NSW
Having gained 20 years of experience educating young people about music, Susan Sukkar has taught hundreds over her time at Petersham Public School in New South Wales. Along her two-decade tenure, Susan has helped create Sydney’s Festival of Instrumental Music, where students can showcase their instrumental chops at the esteemed Sydney Opera House.
Susan’s inclusive approach builds confidence and teamwork among young musicians, fostering a strong community spirit. Her commitment to empowering students resonates deeply, as many credit her with igniting their lifelong passion for music. In June 2024, 1000 students got the chance to play in the Opera House, instilling self-confidence and life-long learners in the art of music.
Casey Allen
PLC Sydney, Croydon, Gadigal and Wangal Country, NSW
Also having taught students the value of music for two decades, Casey Allen has achieved a lot in music education for students at Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Sydney. As current Head of Faculty, Casey highlights the interconnecting values of inclusivity and creativity, coordinating a series of programs that cater to students of all abilities and skill levels. Casey offers a hand-up to girls in music, providing confidence for young women to take up space entering a once male-dominated industry.
If one of these music teachers had a lasting impact on your musical journey, or perhaps you like the sound of what they’ve been contributing to their sonic landscape, voting is open now at the ARIA website.
The ARIA Awards will be taking place on the 20th of November at the Hordern Pavilion and will be streamed on Stan.
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