APRA AMCOS welcomes the Andrews Labor Government’s investment in live music, music industry development, major events and $2 million dedicated to the teaching of songwriting in high schools announced as part of yesterday’s state budget.
“This investment in songwriting in Victorian high schools will embed the state as a centre of excellence in the global music market,” said Dean Ormston, Chief Executive of APRA AMCOS, Australia’s largest music industry body which represents the rights of over 115,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers.
“As APRA AMCOS’ SongMakers program has shown, the teaching of songwriting in schools is one of the sure-fire ways to not only uncover the next generation of hit-makers, but also inspire learners to build skills in collaboration, literacy, resilience and creativity.
“SongMakers brings students and teachers together with some of the most exciting names in music. It provides real-world collaborative songwriting experiences, demonstrates the technology processes involved in recording and, importantly, engages with concepts around valuing and respecting intellectual property. The program emulates industry-aligned songwriting processes, transforming classrooms into creative hubs.
“The $7.5 million commitment towards 10,000 live music gigs over the next four years as well as the continuation of funding for the Victorian Music Development Office and major events such as Always Live will pay a cultural, social and economic dividend for Victoria as it cements its reputation as a centre of the global music market.
“We also applaud the Andrews Government games industry funding package announced last year investing in Asia-Pacific’s largest games event, the Melbourne International Games Week which includes High Score, a partnership between APRA AMCOS and the Victorian Government to support composition and sound art for games.
“The music export success of Sweden and emerging growth markets such as Korea, Norway and Finland, show the importance of jurisdictions taking an ecosystem approach to building their creative industries, with education and mentoring front and centre. State-funded contemporary music education and early mentoring by industry professionals is behind the extraordinary songwriting success of Sweden, the world’s top music exporter per capita.
“The music economy is global, and competition is fierce. A Goldman Sachs report into the international music market estimates total music revenue to reach US$131 billion by 2030. With this Victorian Government investment in songwriting in schools, music development, live music and events, complimenting the Australian Government’s establishment and funding for a national music development office there is an even greater opportunity for the nation to reach its goal to become a net exporter of music,” Dean Ormston said.