Seeley International partnership with Musica Viva hits a high note for young South Australian musicians

A $21,500 donation to Musica Viva Australia by the Seeley International Foundation allows young students to learn from some of the nation’s best educators at intensive music education residencies at primary schools in Aldinga Beach and Elizabeth South.

Seeley International Founder and Executive Chairman, Mr Frank Seeley AM FAICD, says the donation by the Seeley International Foundation – the charitable arm of the successful manufacturer – secures the purchase of new musical instruments and covers the cost of two educators and musicians.

“This partnership with Musica Viva Australia is a perfect opportunity to support a number of local students whose families may not be able to cover the cost of instruments, and allow them to develop and further refine their musical interest,” Mr Seeley said.

“We believe in supporting the community. We have a special place in our hearts for South Australia because it is where the Seeley International journey began, and we remain a major local employer through our head office and manufacturing facility at Lonsdale,” he said.

“As a former teacher I understand the importance of supporting students. Research shows that a comprehensive music education greatly enhances the wellbeing of young people in multifaceted ways, from decreasing truancy to a direct correlation with academic success in other key curriculum areas.”

Emily Kelly, SA Manager with Musica Viva, said the donation allows Aldinga Beach B-7 School to maintain its residency program, with professional development provided to all staff to enable the delivery of weekly classroom music activities for 700 students from Reception to Year 7.

“Thanks to the generosity from our residency program partners like Seeley International, we can now provide teachers with much needed support, for example through tailored curriculum resources group instrumental lessons, musical instruments, software, live performances and teacher training.”

“This donation is great news for the families at Elizabeth South and Aldinga Beach B-7 – especially for those who have come from various overseas locations with very little, as well as those who are facing complex challenges with unemployment, poor educational outcomes, family break-down and a range of social and economic issues.”

“Our music residencies provide enormous support for the schools to build long-term, thriving music programs and give opportunities for all students to participate in music in both schools. The music residencies are multi-faceted and immersive programs that address key aspects of effective music education - exposure to professional musicians and music experiences; in class learning and practical skills development on a range of instruments.”

In 2017, 18 Aldinga Beach students received weekly guitar lessons and 120 students participated in weekly percussion ensembles from years 2 to 5, with smaller groups this year helping them to learn their instruments and prepare for an end of year concert at the year 7 graduation.

In Term 3 of last year Musica Viva commenced a residency at Elizabeth South Primary School, which provides on-going music activities for the school’s 200 R-7 students, training for the entire staff, and weekly percussion and guitar ensemble lessons for 70 students from years 3 to 5.

About the Musica Viva program

Established in 1981, Musica Viva Australia (MVA) is the largest independent provider of school music education in the country, reaching over 280,000 Australian students each year. The Musica Viva In Schools (MVIS) music education program reaches every state and territory with high quality, curriculum-aligned programs that allow teachers and students, from foundation to Year 8, to achieve the best music education outcomes possible. MVIS also reaches areas of need in the Australian music education landscape through a suite of programs including: an equal access music program; a music performance and mentoring program for youth in detention centres and extended residencies for disadvantaged and mixed ability students. More information at  https://musicaviva.com.au/