Now in its eighth year, ARIA Music Teacher Award in partnership with The Song Room highlights the vital role that music teachers play in fostering a love of music among students across Australia, shining a light on the importance of music education to improve students’ wellbeing, learning and community connection.
Every year, the public helps determine the winner of the ARIA Music Teacher Award, with the winner announced at the ARIA Awards on Wednesday, 20 November broadcast on Channel Nine and Stan.
This year’s nominees have been recognized for their outstanding dedication to providing music education and building vibrant musical communities. From reconnecting students with traditional languages through song to fostering inclusive music programs, these educators are changing lives through music.
The nominees were surprised by celebrated artist ambassadors, who each visited a school to share the exciting news. This year’s ambassadors are Meg Mac, Sarah McLeod, Emma Memma and Jessica Mauboy.
Voting for the ARIA Music Teacher Award is now open!
Watch the video here and cast your vote here.
Meet the Nominees
Hayley Wedding
Seaview High School, Seacombe Heights, Kaurna Country, SA
In Hayley’s teaching practice, she makes it her daily mission to create a supportive environment and empower students to thrive and reach their full potential by embracing new challenges and persevering through difficulties. Her belief is that every student has the capacity to excel when given the opportunity, regardless of barriers they may face.
The Seaview High School Music program started with the goal to provide all students access to music with the Scholarship Immersion Program, which utilises school resources to waive the financial pressures for students to commit to musical learning. A simultaneous redesign of classroom music courses provided a safe space for students to shape their identity and nurture resilience while building emotional maturity and self-expression.
One of Hayley’s proudest achievements has been re-designing student learning based on student input which has seen the program flourish over the past four years, jumping from just six per cent of students participating in the music program in 2021to 43% of students in 2024.
Nathaniel Miller
Bulman School, Bulman Community, Arnhem Land, NT
The son of successful musician Peter Miller, Nathaniel has always loved music. Growing upon country, he taught himself to play guitar by ear and knows first-hand the transformative power music has on children, families and communities.
What began as a bit of musical fun for school children two years ago, Nathaniel’s music program has now evolved into a life-changing program teaching students to play different instruments alongside song writing, singing and performance in English, Dalabon and Rembarrnga language, guided by local elders.
In a community that struggles with high teacher turnover, low student attendance and lack of resources, Nathaniel has created a safe and inclusive space where children feel comfortable enough to express themselves, reconnect with their culture, and find pride in their heritage. “It’s about more than just playing instruments,” he says. “It’s about keeping our culture alive, and it’s about building confidence in our young people.”
The impact of Nathaniel’s work is clear. One parent said, “I never thought I’d hear my son sing in our language, but now he’s teaching the words to others. We’re so proud.” For Nathaniel, seeing students stand on stage and sing in front of their community is a powerful reminder of the importance of music in healing and growth.
Susan Sukkar
Petersham Public School, Lewisham, Gadigal and Wangal Country, NSW
For over 20 years, Susan Sukkar has been a cornerstone of music education at Petersham Public School and beyond. As the driving force behind the Festival of Instrumental Music, held annually at the Sydney Opera House, Susan has given thousands of students the opportunity to perform in one of the world’s most iconic venues. Her dedication to the craft of teaching music has inspired generations of children to embrace the joy of performance.
Susan’s approach is rooted in inclusivity. She works with every child from kindergarten to Year6, crafting programs that not only teach musical skills but also build self-confidence, teamwork, and emotional resilience. “Music isn’t just something we do – it’s who we are,” Susan says. “For many of my students, stepping onto that stage is a life-changing moment. It’s about proving to themselves that they are capable of greatness.”
One of the most touching aspects of Susan’s work is the way she brings together families and communities. Her annual Performing Arts extravaganza sees parents, grandparents, and students collaborating in a shared celebration of music. A student once said, “Mrs. Sukkar believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and because of her, I want to keep playing music for the rest of my life.”
Casey Allen
PLC Sydney, Croydon, Gadigal and Wangal Country, NSW
Casey has been a classroom music teacher at Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Sydney for two decades. In 2017, her role expanded to include a Head of Faculty (Classroom) position which included a co-ordinating role for choirs at the school.
In a fast-paced, highly academic and progressive school, her vision has always been to ensure the school delivers an inclusive program that caters for musicians of varying abilities, interests and experiences.
Casey believes it is vital for young girls to understand the importance of music in society and see a place for themselves in creative industries, saying: “Music connects us in ways that words cannot. It brings joy, fosters creativity, and gives our students the courage to express themselves fully. Seeing students discover a lifelong love for music is one of the greatest rewards of teaching.”
The ARIA Music Teacher Award has become one of the ARIA Awards’ most cherished categories, recognising the importance of music education and the teachers inspiring the next generation of musicians.
ARIA CEO, Annabelle Herd, said: “Every year, the ARIA Music Teacher Award allows us to celebrate the incredible individuals who are changing lives through the power of music. The 2024 nominees are a testament to the diversity and impact of music education across Australia. From fostering inclusivity in high-performing academic environments to reviving Indigenous languages through song, these educators have gone above and beyond to ensure that music is accessible, meaningful, and transformative for all their students. It’s an honour to recognize their passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians and music lovers.”
The Song Room CEO, Alice Gerlach, said: “Working in communities across the country, we witness how vital music education is in giving young people a chance to experience success and to find a sense of belonging. This year’s ARIA Music Teacher nominees exemplify the wonderful traits of innovation, inclusion and excellence that all great educators strive towards. Congratulations to them all.”
Previous winners of the ARIA Music Teacher Award include; Sue Lowry (2023, Southport Special Previous winners of the ARIA Music Teacher Award include; Sue Lowry (2023, Southport Special School, Southport, Yugambeh Territory, QLD),Matt Orchard (2022, Apollo Bay P-12 College, Apollo Bay, Gaduband Territory,VIC), Zoe Barry (2021, Fitzroy Sacred Heart School, Fitzroy, WurundjeriCountry, VIC), Sarah Donnelley (2020, Wilcannia Central School, Wilcannia, Barkindji Country, NSW), Antonio Chiappetta (2019, St Andrews College, Sydney, Eora Nation, NSW), Scott Maxwell (2018, Grant High School, Mount Gambier(Berrin), Bunganditj, SA) and Renee McCarthy (2017, Woodcroft College, Adelaide, Kaurna Country, SA).
Vote for your favourite nominee to win the ARIA Music Teacher Award here.
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Knowles
M: 0449 510 357
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