Success

• My recent study looked at the inequalities rural and regional young classical musicians face, which are unknown to their city-based counterparts.
• There are systemic music inequalities in Australia based on where you live and where you go to school.
• Inner-city, private school kids are often the most likely to access music education.
• These challenges compound and these students may be less likely to go on to tertiary education and careers in classical music.

‘Right from square one’

• So, they were set up with amazing technique and they had the opportunity to go to schools that had an amazing music program.
• To compare my journey to some of my peers who’ve grown up in the city, some of them learned from a teacher who had reached an elite level, a professional level, on the instrument […] right from square one.
• My study participants often struggled to find a sense of belonging in communities where classical music was not visible or popular.
• One musician reflected on their feelings of isolation and lack of understanding from their non-music peers:
  I am really into classical music.

‘My first experience with a real orchestra’

• One initiative to address music inequality is the Regional Youth Orchestra NSW, created by regional conservatoriums.
• The NSW regional conservatoriums are located in diverse communities and aim to address disadvantage by offering inclusive music opportunities.
• The youth orchestra program brings together young musicians from across rural and regional NSW several times a year for intensive residential music camps.
• It was actually my first experience with a real orchestra […] I’m very fortunate for that, and I’m really glad I got to do that […] I’d never really even met an oboist before.

‘It doesn’t matter where you come from’

• As one told me:
  I’m determined to prove that it doesn’t matter where you come from.
• I’m determined to prove that it doesn’t matter where you come from.
• Read more:
  Arts organisations say they want to be 'cultural leaders' – but are they living up to their goals?

Mandy Hughes does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.