Music Rocks Australia  in High Schools

MRA conducts ensemble  lessons in high schools that have existing large and small music programs and  also in schools without music programs at all, with equally impressive results. At many schools it is not a requirement for students to be  involved in an existing music program for participation and there have also  been many circumstances already where MRA provides a bridge for students to  become involved with existing school music curriculum and classes. MRA provides performance opportunities for students in music  classes and MRA sessions include activities that have scope for assessment in  terms of the curriculum framework. Specific levelling for arts outcomes and  points towards graduation in terms of community service for Year 10’s and  above can be a feature of MRA classes.

The MRA recording facility also allows an audio documentation of each  ensemble in the form of individual CDs and MP3s that can be used to create  portfolio evidence of student work.

Compulsory student contracts outline what is expected in  terms of payment and attendance for parents, and provide a minimum requirement  for participants in terms of behaviour, attendance and performance in their  other school classes. It is intended that MRA participation has ‘follow-on’  effects for learning in all other areas for each individual and this is  something that is monitored by MRA staff.

MRA is visually and audibly impressive and is a striking  aesthetic at graduations, assemblies and school showcases.

Students at Education Risk (SAER)

MRA is an innovator for students at educational risk and is  achieving considerable, documented results in terms of school attendance,  behaviour and engagement in the learning process.

The MRA setup creates an environment that makes it ‘ok’ for  young people who do not normally readily participate to engage and be seen to  be trying. Small musical fragments and repetition provide success as an entry  point to build confidence. Students experience the social benefit from learning  and music-making collaboratively and MRA staff create a judgement-free zone  where it is acceptable to make mistakes. The availability of different  instruments provides an opportunity for students to try each instrument to keep  variety and interest for the long term also.

Indigenous MRA groups

Indigenous groups are  endowed with creativity and unique musical styles from country to hip-hop. MRA aligns  with ‘Follow the Dream’ programs and community groups to create indigenous and  combined ensembles. The physicality of music-making parallels a common natural  talent for music for these young people. The ensemble can offer a vehicle for self-expression  which can conquer inhibiting factors such as initial shyness and self-consciousness.  As well as the inclusion of indigenous groups at usual MRA events, MRA can also  add significance to special events such as Naidoc Day and Harmony Day.

Music Rocks Australia in Primary schools

MRA ensembles are  conducted in Primary Schools in much the same way as High Schools. An emphasis  on enthusiasm and some specific ‘Rock’ exercises to keep each lesson fun and  exciting are included for younger children. MRA classes start at Year 4 level  for nine year olds and up. School assembly performances, MRA concert series and  charity performances with the groups such as the Starlight Foundation give MRA  junior participants a sense of their community.

MRA also provides an alternative to school instrumental  lessons that are primarily only for the most gifted few students in each year  group starting at Year Five without a very limited choice of ‘classical ‘  instruments – whereas MRA is for everyone with a large range of contemporary  instruments to choose from.

Students will choose their own repertoire and there is an  emphasis on movement. The aim is to really provoke the inspiration for music,  music-listening and music-making amongst primary school children.

Individual Music Students

Coming Soon! MRA is about to move into a studio premises in Morley. This will mean that current MRA participants and the general public will have access to individual lessons by WAAPA trained musicians on each instrument (vocal, drums, guitar, bass and keyboard), and extra ensemble sessions including Senior and Junior All-star Ensembles at the studio.

Regional MRA

Music Rocks Australia had its first venture to regional WA in April this year. A successful series of workshops over five days culminated in a 'full-house' audience at Cummins Theatre in Merredin to witness eighteen young people from that area perform what they had learned. Upon this success, MRA will be keen to take this format to as many regioanl areas as possible. 

Education Support Centres (ESC) and Children with Learning  Difficulties and Disabilities

MRA has demonstrated  that music does not have a barrier for learning for children with numeracy and  literacy difficulties. This has resulted in ESC students performing at the same  or greater level as students in mainstream education. This fact has become an  enormous self-esteem and confidence builder for these students. The ability to  illuminate the skills and talent of ESC students as an example or model for  other student’s participation is an opportunity that is rarely offered for  these children in other areas and has an exponentially positive affect.  Attendance and behaviour are also areas where MRA has documented success.

MRA is also robust enough to cater for children with  disabilities.

Youth and Community Groups

MRA ensembles bring new families and young people to youth  service venues and help kids in consultation with psychologists and counsellors  mix with others in a similar situation and others who are not. Having young  local people perform at Local Government Events presents a valuable association  for young people and their community.

In 2008, MRA will cater to various groups including a  juvenile detention centre (confidentiality applies here), the YMCA and  Millenium Kids Inc.