Raise your voice to reinstate Melbourne Youth Orchestras' state government funding

For over 50 years, the Victorian Government has supported Melbourne Youth Orchastras (MYO). This year, all government funding was cut.

The 2024 funding was dedicated to aiding students facing access challenges, including those from financially strained families, with disabilities, in regional areas, and attending schools with inadequate music programs.

Without this support, talented young musicians will struggle to access quality music education.

We urge you write to your Local Member of Parliament (MP) and stress the importance of reinstating funding for MYO.

We’ve written a draft for you, but the most impactful emails are unique and personalised. We encourage ...

For over 50 years, the Victorian Government has supported Melbourne Youth Orchastras (MYO). This year, all government funding was cut.

The 2024 funding was dedicated to aiding students facing access challenges, including those from financially strained families, with disabilities, in regional areas, and attending schools with inadequate music programs.

Without this support, talented young musicians will struggle to access quality music education.

We urge you write to your Local Member of Parliament (MP) and stress the importance of reinstating funding for MYO.

We’ve written a draft for you, but the most impactful emails are unique and personalised. We encourage you to add a few lines at the beginning of the email about who you are, and why MYO matters to you.

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Email your local member of parliament

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Let your local MP know that the Victorian Government must reinstate ongoing funding for MYO.

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Subject:

I am writing to support Melbourne Youth Orchestras (MYO).

MYO has been operating since 1967 in partnership with the Victorian Government. This year, I am dismayed to learn MYO's state government funding has been cut for the first time.

MYO provides the largest youth orchestra program in Australia. Over 600 students will attend the MYO Ensemble Program each week in 2024 and 1000 students attended MYO's recent Summer School and Winter School Program. These students play in diverse orchestras catering to students aged from 8 years of age up to tertiary levels.

For many, it's the launching place for professional music careers that span varied musical genres. For all, it enhances their overall experience of the Victorian education system and builds valuable skills for life. Research demonstrates ensemble music-making supports the development of self-confidence and organisational skills, improves socio-emotional wellbeing, and fosters a sense of belonging and an ability to work as a team.

For over 50 years, Victorian government support has helped MYO employ the state’s leading music teachers who provide inspirational and accessible ensemble music programs for some of Victoria’s most talented musicians.

In 2024, 100% of MYO’s government funding was earmarked to assist students who often face barriers to participation. Students from families experiencing financial challenges. Students with disability. Students from regional areas. Students from government schools with inadequate music programs.

MYO will struggle to keep fees affordable and provide targeted support to these students without government funding. These cuts will make it increasingly difficult to ensure no young learner is excluded from MYO.

Victoria is now the only state in Australia that doesn't provide recurrent funding to their youth orchestras. By not recognising the invaluable role ensembles play in music education, Victoria is failing our brightest young musicians. The Victorian government must pull its weight alongside the rest of the country to ensure the future of music in Australia.

I implore you to urgently support the reinstatement of ongoing funding to MYO and invest in our state’s future musicians, especially those at risk of missing out because they experience barriers to accessing MYO.

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