A music program that champions inclusivity and accessibility is giving children from regional Western Australia the chance to experience the joys of learning and performing regardless of their socio-economic background, geographical location or culture.

Bachelor of Music Honours student Sarah Bond is president of The University of Western Australia’s Music Students Society  and will lead 20 fellow students from UWA’s Conservatorium of Music on a road trip to Geraldton from December 7 to 12 for the Music Education Outreach Program.

Image: Sarah Bond is president of UWA’s Music Students Society.

The program targets primary schools that sit below the State median on the Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage scale so children who may not otherwise have access to music education have the opportunity to discover the transformative power of music.

“We play musical games and try and hit some curriculum points that they would learn if they had music classes at school,” Sarah said.

“Some schools had a music program that is no longer funded but still have instruments and we try to incorporate them as well.”

The students, who have been fundraising for the trip including a concert at UWA, received funding support from the Geraldton Mayoral Discretionary Fund and the UWA Student Guild Education Council, ensuring more resources for students and schools involved.

They will visit five schools where children will take part in four one-hour music classes, learning percussion and singing skills culminating in an end-of-week concert.

“They use percussion sticks made out of magazines and use cups and as they progress to learn more complicated rhythms and you definitely see an improvement,” Sarah said.

“They sing in a choir too and their confidence improves massively over the week, which is amazing.

“One of the best parts is walking into a classroom and seeing their faces absolutely light up and you can feel how excited they are to learn.”

As well as supporting regional students, the program offers Music Students Society members valuable teaching and organisational experience, bridging the gap between university study and real-world community impact.

“We use a backing track, or a pianist or guitarist will accompany them while they’re playing,” Sarah said.

“It’s an avenue for so many students to get experience teaching in the classroom so they can go on to get a job instrumental teaching or complete a Masters in Teaching.”

UWA  Music Students Society program, co-founded by Sarah and Aimee Ryan, won the 2025 UWA Student Guild Education Council Award for Best Event (Education) this year based on its success last year when it visited schools in Pingelly and Narrogin.