As a result, for the first time the The Goulburn Strings Project (GSP) will be expanded at Goulburn Public School and beyond from 2018.

Conservatorium CEO and artistic director Paul Scott-Williams said the project is the result of a unique collaboration between the Con, the school and music educator Dr Anita Collins.

“Thanks to the new funding support, the Goulburn Strings Project will increase its current reach of 80 students to provide 140 students with weekly violin lessons,” Mr Scott-Williams said.

Under the program, every student from Years 2 to 6 at Goulburn Public School will have access to their own violin, lessons and weekly supported practice sessions.

The school will also have its own string ensemble, which will perform at both school and community events. 

The project includes transport home and afternoon snacks so that every child can have access to the opportunity.

“In 2018, the project can also include secondary students as the current Goulburn Public School Year 6 students move to high school,” Mr Scott-Williams said.

“They will be able to continue their studies at the GRC and will be assisted to purchase their own instruments, thanks to the funding increase.

“During the year, students in the project will also have the opportunity to work with professional musicians from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra thanks to the links established as a result of the highly successful Goulburn Concerto, which premiered in April 2016.

“The year ahead offers the opportunity to extend the partnership and explore more collaborative opportunities.”

Mr Scott-Williams said the Goulburn Strings Project began as a small program seven years ago and is changing lives.

“Over time it has grown and taken hold in the community around Goulburn Public School and t is making a difference in the lives of these children and in the school,” he said.

“The outcomes emerging from the project are really exciting. We are absolutely thrilled to have gained such important funding support, which will allow us to open it up to so many more children and to expand the full delivery of the program. The future is very positive and exciting"

Music educator and researcher Dr Anita Collins said the project continues providing children with high quality music education.

“This will happen as an integral part of their regular school day,” she said.

“The music education they have already received over the past three years has transformed their lives and now even more students will have the opportunity to benefit cognitively, emotionally and socially from learning a musical instrument.”