Speeches
Monday, 11 August 2025
Reception for Music Teachers Association
Rod and I warmly welcome you all to Government House.
It is Rod’s and my pleasure to be patrons of the Music Teachers Association of South Australia and we congratulate the organisation on reaching 95 years of operation.
Studying a musical instrument is of great benefit to young people.
As a child I learned to play piano from a local teacher, who may well have been one of your members.
This training helped me to appreciate the skill of musicians as well as the beauty of playing, and simply enjoying, music.
It also taught me a range of excellent life skills: patience, persistence, coordination and what I think we would today call multi-tasking my left and right hands.
Rod and I are fortunate to engage with talented young South Australian musicians when they perform here at Government House, such as Conservatorium students at State Dinners, as well as out in the community; Adelaide Youth Orchestras concerts, for example.
And of course, Rod and I are strong supporters of South Australia’s flagship performing groups and venues, including the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Ukaria, and also community and grassroots endeavours, such as musicians performing at the Adelaide Fringe.
It is our privilege to see how music inspires audiences, strengthens society and supports the cultural identity of our diverse communities.
We imagine, as studio music teachers, there are significant joys in what you do: building relationships with students, playing an active role in their development as musicians, and the freedom which comes with running your own business.
No doubt the role also comes with significant challenges, and being part of a community like the Music Teachers Association can be of great benefit.
Rod and I thank the association for its many services to members, promoting their career development and quality of service to pupils.
From advocacy in the education and music communities to extensive professional development opportunities, including conferences and pupil competitions;
From an advisory service which covers everything from student progress to business models, promotional opportunities in the teachers directory, the quarterly magazine and social media;
We are pleased by the well-rounded support provided to members by the association and are confident this high-level assistance has been key to the organisation’s success.
Rod and I know that the commitment of volunteers, often over many years, is key to the longevity and vibrancy of community organisations.
We thank the association’s presidents, vice presidents and committee members - past and present - for their generous donation of time and energy to the organisation’s activities.
We also congratulate the members who will be presented with honorary life membership in a few moments.
Congratulations once again on your 95th anniversary and we look forward to watching the association go from strength to strength as it approaches its centenary, fostering a love of instrumental music in new generations of South Australians.