Association of Music Educators (Vic) Inc

Formerly known as the Victorian Schools' Music Association (VSMA), this subject association, open to all music educators and those interested in music education, is affiliated with the Council of Professional Teaching Associations and supported by the Victorian Department of Education. aMuse organises professional development programs for primary, secondary and instrumental music teachers, organises student performance activities including master classes and festivals, and can provide independent advice on curriculum matters. aMuse is a member of the International Society for Music Education.

aMuse began originally as the Victorian State Schools Bands Association in the 1940s. Its main function was in providing state schools with curriculum materials and running an annual festival for students each year. Festival items ranged from small ensembles to larger orchestras, bands and choirs. The emphasis has changed over time from catering for the needs of music students to one of catering for the needs of music educators. Although aMuse still provides services to encourage students in exploring music, aMuse's charter now sees a far greater need to meet the needs of music educators who can then better meet the needs of students. aMuse also has members from all educating bodies including state and private primary and post-primary schools and tertiary institutions.

aMuse’s philosophy is that the study of music is essential to the emotional, intellectual, physical, social growth and the general well-being of all students. aMuse believes that the study of music profoundly contributes to the complete understanding of their world and that school music programs need to be continuous, sequential and developmental.

aMuse represents the full spectrum of music education philosophies and approaches implemented by primary and secondary teachers by providing an extensive range of professional learning programs, conferences, publications, and web-based resources and networks to support music educators and the students they teach. aMuse is the major provider of such services for school music teachers in Victoria.

aMuse collaborates with a diverse range of other music education associations and organisations in the broader community such as the Victorian Orff Schulwerk Association, the Kodály Music Education Institute of Australia, SoundHouse Music Alliance and tertiary institutions in order to offer teachers access to the most comprehensive range of contemporary music education research and resources possible. aMuse has over 2000 individual members who teach in schools from all education sectors.

aMuse 2023 Committee of Management

Executive

President - Lynlee Williams, Eltham High School
Vice president - Nathan Byrne, St Paul's Anglican Grammar School, Traralgon
Secretary- Jenny Meachem, Strathcona Girls' Grammar School
Treasurer - Kevin Kelley, Trinity Grammar School, Xavier College

Ordinary Members

Mandy Stefanakis, Life Member
Amanda Baulch, Northern Bay College
Robin Baker, Private studio teacher
Anne Gilby, Melbourne High School/Trinity Grammar
Gordon Gunn
Kevin Cameron, Gippsland Grammar (resigned 8 June 2023)

Staff

Program Coordinator
Aoife Gavin
Email:

Committee Meetings

Meetings are held at 6.00pm via Zoom