The globally renowned Make Music Day returns for another edition this June, with councils and artists across Australia organising events to get locals involved in engaging with music.
Since its inception in 1982 as Fête de la Musique in France, Make Music Day has expanded to take place in a thousand cities across 120 countries. The musical free-for-all encourages everyone to celebrate music, collaborate with others, and put on free public concerts.
Make Music Day takes place on Sunday, 21 June, in Australia and around the globe. Bands, solo artists and songwriters, choirs, musicians, schools, and pretty much anyone interested in picking up an instrument have already signed up to experience this year’s offerings.
In Australia, the annual event is presented by the Australian Music Association with support from the NAMM Foundation and Music Australia.
Each year, Make Music Day invites local music communities – musicians, councils, music retailers, venues, schools, and more – to unite and celebrate the joy of making music. Performances can include playing on the street, a community jam, and creating space and opportunities for people to gather and play.
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“Make Music Day is a massive celebration in other countries, but it’s just starting to get traction here in Australia,” said Emma Bienvenu, Project Officer for the Australian Music Association and organiser of Make Music Day in Australia. “This year, we want to change the message and ask people to think a little more about the role music plays in our society.”
Bienvenu continued, “We are all very familiar with the community, cultural, social and mental health benefits of being involved in playing sports. We want people to remember that making music and enjoying the music of others brings many of the same benefits and can often be more inclusive and accessible.
“Our advocacy at the Australian Music Association begins with music education and continues right through to the end result, supporting and encouraging people from all walks of life to play and enjoy music in all forms, at all skill levels.
“Make Music Day is one of the biggest and most exciting days on our annual calendar for this reason. It reminds people how much joy music brings.”
Local councils across Australia are already organising events in conjunction with Make Music Day.
A month-long music trail is taking place in the lead-up to Make Music Day for the City of Moreton Bay, and on the day, the Council is hosting the inaugural Bee Gees Kazoo Flash Mob. Over in the City of Adelaide, the Council is welcoming a full takeover of the city on 21 June, with more than 360 performers playing in 40 venues all day long.
For more information about local events and how you can get involved, head to the Make Music Day website.
