Instrumental music education in Australian government schools: What musics are taught and how is this a reflection of one’s culture?

It has been fifty years since instrumental music has been offered as a free provision in select Australian government secondary schools. Commencing in 1963 in South Australia, it was introduced in each State and Territory and grew and adapted to suit the local curriculum, community and culture (Lierse, 2005). Instrumental music programs developed in schools resulting in the establishment of special music schools, festivals and the creation of an instrumental music subject for students in their final year of schooling. Despite the demand and popularity of music programs in schools, there have been ongoing issues of resource allocation, provision, training and policy development (Cook, 2008; Pascoe et al., 2005). It has been through advocacy and awareness of the importance of music in the community that these programs have retained their status, and in some cases flourished.
One of the characteristics of music education in Australia has been the development of a cultural identity. Influenced by both its British colonial roots and American popular culture, Australia has begun to establish its own musical style. Australia also has a long history of Indigenous music which is beginning to be recognised and practised in school settings. How have instrumental music programs developed over the past fifty years, and as music educators, what can we learn from these experiences? What musics are taught in schools ,and is Australian musical culture being honoured and preserved for present and future generations? How does the provision of instrumental music in Australian schools compare to other countries such as Ireland?