Four inspirational educators from New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory are in the running for the 2024 ARIA Music Teacher Award.
The ARIAs are the Australian music industry’s big night, and since 2017 this special award, in partnership with The Song Room, has spotlighted the importance of music education and the amazing teachers who are making a difference to their students and school communities.
This year’s finalists are Hayley Wedding (Seaview High School, Seacombe Heights, Kaurna Country, SA), Nathaniel Miller (Bulman School, Bulman Community, Arnhem Land, NT), Susan Sukkar (Petersham Public School, Lewisham, Gadigal and Wangal Country, NSW), and Casey Allen (PLC Sydney, Croydon, Gadigal and Wangal Country, NSW). You can vote for favourite here – the winner will be announced at the ARIA Awards on November 20.
Here's more from The Song Room about each of the finalists.
Hayley Wedding: ‘In Hayley’s teaching practice, she makes it her daily mission to create a supportive environment and empower students to thrive and reach their full potential by embracing new challenges and persevering through difficulties. Her belief is that every student has the capacity to excel when given the opportunity, regardless of barriers they may face.
‘The Seaview High School Music program started with the goal to provide all students access to music with the Scholarship Immersion Program, which utilises school resources to waive the financial pressures for students to commit to musical learning. A simultaneous redesign of classroom music courses provided a safe space for students to shape their identity and nurture resilience while building emotional maturity and self-expression.
‘One of Hayley’s proudest achievements has been re-designing student learning based on student input which has seen the program flourish over the past 4 years, jumping from just 6% of students participating in the music program in 2021 to 43% of students in 2024.’
Nathaniel Miller: ‘The son of successful musician Peter Miller, Nathaniel has always loved music. Growing up on country, he taught himself to play guitar by ear and knows first-hand the transformative power music has on children, families and communities.
‘What began as a bit of musical fun for school children 2 years ago, Nathaniel’s music program has now evolved into a life-changing program teaching students to play different instruments alongside song writing, singing and performance in English, Dalabon and Rembarrnga language, guided by local elders.
‘In a community that struggles with high teacher turnover, low student attendance and lack of resources, Nathaniel has created a safe and inclusive space where children feel comfortable enough to express themselves, reconnect with their culture, and find pride in their heritage. “It’s about more than just playing instruments,” he says. “It’s about keeping our culture alive, and it’s about building confidence in our young people.”
‘The impact of Nathaniel’s work is clear. One parent said, “I never thought I’d hear my son sing in our language, but now he’s teaching the words to others. We’re so proud.” For Nathaniel, seeing students stand on stage and sing in front of their community is a powerful reminder of the importance of music in healing and growth.’
Susan Sukkar: ‘For over 20 years, Susan Sukkar has been a cornerstone of music education at Petersham Public School and beyond. As the driving force behind the Festival of Instrumental Music, held annually at the Sydney Opera House, Susan has given thousands of students the opportunity to perform in one of the world’s most iconic venues. Her dedication to the craft of teaching music has inspired generations of children to embrace the joy of performance.
‘Susan’s approach is rooted in inclusivity. She works with every child from kindergarten to year 6, crafting programs that not only teach musical skills but also build self-confidence, teamwork, and emotional resilience. “Music isn’t just something we do – it’s who we are,” Susan says. “For many of my students, stepping onto that stage is a life-changing moment. It’s about proving to themselves that they are capable of greatness.”
‘One of the most touching aspects of Susan’s work is the way she brings together families and communities. Her annual Performing Arts extravaganza sees parents, grandparents, and students collaborating in a shared celebration of music. A student once said, “Mrs. Sukkar believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and because of her, I want to keep playing music for the rest of my life.”
Casey Allen: ‘Casey has been a classroom music teacher at Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Sydney for 2 decades. In 2017, her role expanded to include a Head of Faculty (Classroom) position which included a co-ordinating role for choirs at the school.
‘In a fast-paced, highly academic and progressive school, her vision has always been to ensure the school delivers an inclusive program that caters for musicians of varying abilities, interests and experiences.
‘Casey believes it is vital for young girls to understand the importance of music in society and see a place for themselves in creative industries, saying: “Music connects us in ways that words cannot. It brings joy, fosters creativity, and gives our students the courage to express themselves fully. Seeing students discover a lifelong love for music is one of the greatest rewards of teaching.”’
A reminder that you can vote for your favourite and watch a short video about each of the 4 finalists by heading to https://www.aria.com.au/vote/music-teacher-of-the-year.
