The benefits of music education are now well established, with greater language acquisition, numerical problem-solving skills and emotional wellbeing just a few examples. Thousands of Australian children will now have the opportunity to reap the same rewards thanks to the astonishing results of the Don’t Stop the Music campaign. Launched in November alongside the ABC’s three-part documentary series of the same name, the broadcaster, Salvation Army and Musica Viva Australia made a national appeal for donations of unused or unwanted musical instruments for use in school music programs.

James Morrison gives a masterclass in Don’t Stop the Music. Photo © David Dare Parker

The campaign has now seen more than 4,200 instruments donated to local Salvation Army stores across Australia, with approximately $67,000 donated across both Musica Viva and the Salvos’ Just Brass programs. Businesses have also made significant contributions, Fender Music Australia reportedly so inspired by the documentary that they donated a remarkable 300 brand-new classical guitars to Musica Viva. Brisbane music store Simply for Strings have been similarly generous, providing 40 high-quality European violins and violas to the campaign. All donated instruments will go to disadvantaged schools and students supported by Musica...