Call for National Songwriting and Recording Program in Schools Stimulus (Australia)

Deadline: 13-Oct-2026

Creative Australia is inviting applications for the National Songwriting and Recording in Schools Stimulus (NSRSS), which provides matched funding for high-quality, inclusive songwriting and recording programs in educational settings across Australia. Funding of $5,000 to $100,000 can support projects that expand access to contemporary music opportunities for students and educators. The initiative supports primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, music academies, and community conservatoria, with priority for projects that improve access for underserved communities, strengthen inclusion, build First Nations partnerships, and create pathways into future music careers.

About the National Songwriting and Recording in Schools Stimulus

The National Songwriting and Recording in Schools Stimulus was established to provide targeted matched funding for songwriting and recording programs in educational settings.

The initiative aims to:

- Foster creative development among students. - Expand equitable access to contemporary music opportunities. - Support educators and students in developing music skills. - Strengthen connections between education and future music pathways. - Encourage collaboration between educational institutions and music professionals. - Build the capability of teachers and mentors. - Create opportunities for emerging composers, songwriters, producers, and engineers. The program is focused on contemporary music as defined by Music Australia. Funding Available Applicants can seek between $5,000 and $100,000 in matched funding. Funding can contribute to eligible costs associated with developing and delivering songwriting and recording programs.

Eligible costs may include:

- Staffing fees. - Studio hire. - Equipment hire. - Curriculum development. - Project coordination. - Travel. - Accommodation. - Insurance. - Access costs that support broad participation. Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget reflects the eligible costs required to deliver the activity. Priority Areas The program gives priority to projects that demonstrate strong potential to expand access, participation, and future opportunities in contemporary music.

Priority is given to activities that:

- Strengthen access for students in regional communities. - Support students in remote communities. - Reach outer suburban communities. - Address barriers faced by under-served communities. - Promote inclusive and equitable participation. - Are First Nations-led. - Demonstrate strong First Nations partnerships. - Build sustainable models connecting learning with future pathways. - Increase teacher and mentor capability. - Create opportunities for emerging composers, songwriters, producers, and engineers. Projects that demonstrate meaningful and sustainable benefits for students and educators are encouraged. What Projects Can Be Supported? The NSRSS can support a variety of songwriting and recording activities in educational environments.

Examples include:

- Songwriting workshops. - Artist residencies. - Recording programs. - Curriculum-aligned songwriting and recording initiatives. - After-school music programs. - Intensive music pathway programs. - Micro-credential courses. - Collaborative programs involving music professionals and educational institutions. - Programs designed to develop teacher and mentor capability. Projects can be structured to suit the needs of different educational settings, provided they focus on eligible contemporary music activities. Supporting Regional and Underserved Students A key focus of the program is improving access to contemporary music opportunities for students who may face geographic, social, financial, or other barriers. Projects serving regional, remote, outer suburban, or under-served communities are particularly encouraged. Applicants should demonstrate how their project will make participation more accessible and provide meaningful opportunities for students who may otherwise have limited access to professional music environments, facilities, mentors, or contemporary music education. First Nations Participation The program encourages projects that are First Nations-led or demonstrate strong First Nations partnership. Applicants can consider how First Nations leadership, knowledge, artists, educators, and communities can be meaningfully incorporated into project design and delivery. Partnerships should contribute to genuine participation and equitable opportunities rather than simply being included as an additional project component. Connecting Education With Future Pathways The initiative also aims to build sustainable models that connect learning with future opportunities in the contemporary music sector. Projects can help students explore pathways related to: - Songwriting. - Music production. - Recording. - Composition. - Audio engineering. - Performance. - Music industry careers. The program also supports opportunities for emerging composers, songwriters, producers, and engineers to gain experience working with students and educational institutions. Building Teacher and Mentor Capability Projects can contribute to the professional development of teachers and mentors involved in contemporary music education.

Applicants may design activities that:

- Develop educators’ songwriting and recording knowledge. - Strengthen contemporary music teaching skills. - Introduce educators to professional music practices. - Build sustainable teaching and mentoring models. - Connect educators with experienced music professionals. This can help educational institutions continue providing contemporary music opportunities beyond the funded project period. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants include a wide range of Australian educational, community, and music organisations.

Eligible organisations include:

- Government schools. - Catholic schools. - Independent schools. - TAFEs. - Universities. - Private music academies. - Specialist music providers. - Community co