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Countering inequality: The role of music opportunities in promoting wellbeing and belonging for young Australian regional classical music students
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Countering inequality: The role of music opportunities in promoting wellbeing and belonging for young Australian regional classical music students

Mandy Hughes
Australian Journal of Music Education, Vol.55(1), pp.36-47
2023

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Abstract

Music students Musicians Wellbeing Youth orchestras Orchestra Inequality Regional Music education Sociology of inequalities Applied sociology, program evaluation and social impact assessment Music Social class and inequalities Expanding knowledge in creative arts and writing studies
This article shares the narratives of young rural and regional classical musicians in Australia as they navigated their musical journeys. Challenges are explored, including the lack of resources, and the need to travel long distances and the associated costs. Study participants reflected on their feelings of isolation and lack of understanding from their nonmusic peers and stressed the need to connect with other like-minded musicians. The benefits of being a young musician in a non-metropolitan area are discussed, including unique opportunities offered in a nurturing, less competitive environment. Regional conservatoriums' role is highlighted, particularly through the Regional Youth Orchestra NSW (RYO) initiative. Study findings demonstrate the positive impact of regional youth orchestra programs in connecting talented young classical musicians with professional orchestras and peers to support and inspire their musical ambitions and address entrenched music inequalities.

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