$50K Yamaha Music Grant to Help Beat 'Back to School' Blues

The summer holidays might be over, but Yamaha Music Australia is looking to help Australia’s 3.7 million students start the new school year on a positive note, with the launch of its second Great Start Grant – a nationwide initiative that will see one school awarded a $50,000 grant, plus an exclusive performance from Dami Im, Australia’s X-Factor winner and most successful Eurovision entrant.

Following on from the inaugural success of the Great Start Grant 2017, this year’s grant will once again be searching for Australian schools in need of a helping hand to get their Music Performance Program off the ground. With group music events proven to boost happiness levels, the Great Start Grant has the opportunity to foster positivity and social connections in a collaborative setting, says Mat Taylor, Yamaha Band and Orchestral Product Manager.

“We are looking for a school that has the passion and drive to promote quality music education and all they are lacking is cash to get off to a great start. Last years’ Grant recipients, Apollo Bay P-12 college, have made the most of their new resources and are engaging with students in a completely different way thanks to the Grant, so we look forward to another successful year,” says Mr Taylor.

The Great Start Grant supports both Yamaha’s own education advocacy program ‘Off to a Great Start’ and the Australian Music Association’s national ambition to engage more young people in music making.

“When programs such as Off to a Great Start are initiated by member companies like Yamaha Music Australia, it provides young people with the opportunity to have music as part of their education,” says Rob Walker, Executive Officer of the Australian Music Association. “In doing so, a significant step is taken toward creating the music makers of tomorrow.”

The chosen school will receive instruments and music equipment such as an electric drum kit, a digital grand piano and a digital audio workstation, to play, perform and record on. Students will also receive professional training on how to get the most out of their new instruments, along with a launch concert from X Factor winner and Eurovision Song Contest runner-up, Dami Im.

The $50,000 Great Start Grant includes:

• $45,000 worth of Yamaha instruments — equivalent to 42 brand new Yamaha instruments/equipment
• 1 day of training from Peter Wardrobe —Yamaha’s Education Specialist
• A launch concert at the winning school from Dami Im
• PLUS: Consolation prizes worth $2,000 in value shared between another two schools

Schools wishing to apply must complete the online application. Applications include submitting letters from the school principal, a relevant, full-time teacher and a parent whose child is currently attending the school. For more information visit greatstart.yamahabackstage.com.au/ApplyNow

Two finalists will also be selected and assessed by a panel featuring: Peter Wardrobe, Yamaha Education Specialist; Jaclyn Williams, Yamaha Brand Manager; Mat Taylor, Yamaha Education Project Manager, and Rob Walker, Executive Officer of the Australian Music Association. One school will then be chosen by the panel to receive the giveaway and a further two schools will be chosen to receive a consolation prize.

Applications close 16th March 2018. For full details and terms and conditions please visit greatstart.yamahabackstage.com.au