Thursday, 22 February 2024

SongMakers

Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Development Victoria, Minister for Precincts, Minister for Creative Industries) (09:58): There is no denying that Victoria is the undisputed music capital of the country, and the Allan Labor government is proud to back our vibrant music industry. Every day of the week there is amazing live music to enjoy, whether it is major international stadium shows like Taylor Swift’s, a festival or an up-and-coming homegrown band in a local pub or club. Taylor Swift, for example, started out writing songs as a teenager, and now she is dominating the world stage. We know all over Victoria there are teenagers sitting in their bedrooms strumming a guitar or making music digitally, writing what could be the next big worldwide hit.

That is why the Allan Labor government is supporting the next era of Victorian hit makers with what will be the biggest schools songwriting program in the country. We are partnering with APRA AMCOS to supercharge and expand their SongMakers program here in Victoria. This songwriting mentorship program brings professional musicians into schools to deliver songwriting and skills development workshops for students in years 10 to 12. More than 60 Victorian high schools and 1400 ‍young people will participate over the next two years. Students will learn about songwriting, music production, intellectual property and so much more, all the tools they need to forge a successful career in music. The Allan Labor government is proud to back our world-famous music industry from the classroom to the band room and beyond.