A new independent primary school, founded in partnership with conductor and music educator Richard Gill AO, will be established in Muswellbrook, the Muswellbrook Shire Council announced today. The Muswellbrook Richard Gill Music Academy will be an independent K-6 Primary School driven by Gill’s unique vision, with music and physical education as cornerstones of the curriculum. An independent board, chaired by Kim Williams AM, who was in Muswellbrook for today’s announcement, will oversee the establishment of the school, scheduled to open in 2020.

Gill has been a fierce advocate of access to high quality music education for all children, both in his columns for Limelight and initiatives such as the National Music Teacher Mentoring Program.

“I believe a structured program of primary school music education based on singing, moving and creating, has benefits for all areas of children’s learning and I believe every child should have access to quality music education, delivered by trained and educated music teachers in a school that will also offer the highest quality demonstration and practicum experiences for trainee music teachers,” Gill said. “It is clear that Muswellbrook Shire Council is making significant investments in educational facilities, partnered with universities on multiple projects. This school...