Chatsworth State School without music lessons, mum and teacher push back

A Gympie teacher and a local mum are devastated after claims their school stopped music lessons. This is why they’re calling for their return.

When a Gympie region mother heard the news that music lessons were no longer going ahead at her children's school, she was devastated.

According to the mother, who wished to remain anonymous, Chatsworth State School has been without a music teacher since the end of Semester 1.

“The children have now lost their extra curricular choir lessons as well which my daughter was involved in,” she said.

“Both myself and my children are disappointed that the school and district staffing removed the teacher without consultation with the P & C or school community.

“My kids miss their music lessons and choir.”

Chatsworth State School.

According to the Chatsworth mother, other parents were unaware the previous music teacher had moved on.

“There was no consultation of the parent body, so they don't know the real reason we lost music,” she said.

“Music is maths, a language, a mood enhancer, a form of expression, an art, is inclusive of all no matter the talent level.

“It has always been a part of Queensland Education curriculum and should continue to be so.”

The mother pointed out that for those students whose parents couldn’t afford to learn an instrument privately, the school-based music lessons may be their chance to experience this art form.

“By removing music from weekly lessons you are limiting children and their growth,” she said.

“Not all kids are sporting or academic, however most if not all kids love music.

“I would like to see music reinstated at my child's school to the original weekly lesson for all students.”

Music lessons for students at a Gympie region primary school may be a thing of the past, but not if a determined mum gets her way.

A Gympie region teacher, who also wished to remain anonymous, said some schools in the area had opted not to teach music at all due to possible staffing issues and trying to reduce the workload on teachers.

“Some schools have cut music down to one semester of lessons and some very lucky schools are following the certified agreement, and teach classroom music continuously each week for every grade,” she said.

The teacher said the lack of music classes was “heartbreaking”, as some children are missing out on a vital part of their education.

“Children in our state, who have been at an advantage in their music education in the past, are now losing that advantage,” she said.

“The Department of Education needs to mandate that music is taught to every child, every week by a qualified music teacher.”

An Education Department spokesperson denied the school had lost classes in a statement provided to the Gympie Times on Tuesday.

“While recent staffing changes at Chatsworth State School have resulted in some changes to the delivery of music, the school continues to exceed the requirements for the delivery of music lessons stipulated under the Australian Curriculum,” they said.