ARTS:LIVE University launch

Posted by on 19 May 2014

The Song Room successfully launched the ARTS:LIVE online music education platform last year, and is now offering this innovative technology to future teachers through ARTS:LIVE University.

This online program will equip pre-service teachers to gain valuable knowledge in the arts, as part of their teacher training, and ultimately deliver effective arts education.

"ARTS:LIVE has taken our ability to impact on Australian schools to a whole new level – extending access to all primary and secondary teachers and students, and now even further to pre-service teachers through ARTS:LIVE University," said Caroline Aebersold, CEO of The Song Room.

In 2013, the auDA Foundation awarded a grant to The Song Room for ARTS:LIVE, to develop and trial Internet technology that will improve access to learning music in schools, and serve as an effective model for inclusive, whole-of-school community music education.

"Funds awarded through the auDA Foundation grant to The Song Room will help provide access to its innovative, national online arts program, ARTS:LIVE, and to blended (a combination of face-to-face and online) programs, particularly in the Warrnambool region of South East Victoria," said David Burton, Senior Manager, Online and New Enterprises at The Song Room.

The Song Room’s programs reach targeted, disadvantaged school communities, with a focus on children with low socio-economic status, living in regional and remote areas, from non-English speaking or Indigenous backgrounds.

Research has highlighted a number of positive outcomes from The Song Room’s programs, including:

  • Improved student learning across the curriculum (1 year additional improvement in numeracy and literacy)
  • Higher school attendance (reduced absenteeism by 65%)
  • Improved student social and emotional wellbeing outcomes (improved self-esteem, confidence, social skills, reduced depression, anxiety and stress).

"ARTS:LIVE successfully helps bridge the gap in arts education access by providing curriculum-aligned teaching resources to the 7,000+ schools without specialist arts teachers in Australia," said David Burton.

This project is the first of its kind in Australia, using cloud based technology to enhance music creation, participation and collaboration between students, schools, families and arts communities.  For more information about the project, visit www.artslive.com.au.

This is one example of the many successful, innovative projects that the auDA Foundation supports.  For more information about auDA Foundation grants, go to Grant Recipients and the Knowledge Centre.