These high-profile Aussies are lending their support to the call for more music education for ALL school students.

"We can do even more for our kids by giving each one of them an effective music education at school. We're all the richer for a society which values music as part of every child's education."
John Foreman, Project Ambassador and Songwriter

"Music has been such an important part of each of our lives and has been a constant companion in our relationship as father and daughter. Whether it's folk, jazz, classical or country, it doesn't matter. Just do it! Give all kids the opportunity to make music at school - and give them a skill they'll have for life, wherever they go and whatever they choose to do."
John Williamson and Ami Williamson

" I totally support this program. If it hadn't been for music education for me, I don't know what I would have done with my life. Even if your field of interest doesn't involve music, just to hear others and experience the joy of creation.... it's wonderful!"
Kate Ceberano, 2007

" Music in my life has been the most important tool for expression and communication. It breaks down cultural barriers, builds bridges between different socio economic groups and brings joy to any individual that gets to play a part in making it.

Music does things to your soul that nothing else comes close to doing.

For me, music has been a life changing experience and a vital part of my education as a student and as a human being. My hope is that others get to experience what music has to offer through their school and take the tool of music into their adult life for everyone's benefit.
Troy Cassar-Daley

I am thrilled to be involved with this program. As a once shy child, music is something that not only gave me a great sense of satisfaction, but also gave me a greater self confidence. To this day I am forever grateful for the opportunities I had to learn music at school, the skills from which remain with me today and which I will have for the rest of my life.

Music in performance and education gives us a sense of belonging, cohesiveness and interaction that can teach us so many life skills - working as a team, building individual confidence and a sense of purpose and achievement - as well as having great fun: the most important ingredient of all!

And if you are fortunate to have a career in music, I hope that you will feel as I have done for nearly 30 years: I have never felt like I am going to work, but rather that I am following my passion, having the chance to meet and work with some of the most interesting people in the world.

Life IS a song - and I hope that you enjoy it's melodious journey for ever and a day!
Jonathon Welch
Founding Music Director, Choir of Hard Knocks

“Music has always been a major part of our lives. As kids growing up on the South Coast of NSW, most afternoons were filled with playing cricket in the backyard followed by singing songs around the piano in our living room. Our mother Helen was the major influence in shaping our musical interests. I can remember sitting on the piano stool with Mum and my brothers Brett and Grant playing ‘you are my sunshine’ at a very young age.

Brett always dreamed that one day when he had enough money to buy a house, the first thing he would buy to furnish his home would be a Grand Piano. I can confirm Brett did do this - even before he brought a lounge - and is now the proud owner of a 1950 Bosendorfer Grand.

Whilst I must confess we are not the world’s best musicians, music has given us endless hours of fun and entertainment. Whether it be playing in our band ‘Six and Out’ or sitting at home in front of the fire with the guitar and a few mates, music is one thing we could not live without. I would encourage anyone no matter how young or old to pick up an instrument today and start playing. I guarantee it will put a smile on your face”
Shane and Brett Lee

"Music has always been a very important part of my life and I commend the extension of this magnificent pursuit to all Australian children. Listening to and playing music adds a new dimension to life - it provides us with a great distraction from our worries and the more mundane day to day matters. Whatever form music takes, we should cherish it and indulge in it every day - with some of us lucky enough to make it a career. Music. Count Us In is an important part of this journey. I applaud John Foreman for his contribution and the Federal Government in bringing this project to fruition."
John Symond, founder and CEO, Aussie Home Loans

Making music together is a joyous way of making a very important point - music education in schools is more than an enrichment experience, it should be an essential experience for every Australian child.
Sandra Yates, CEO, Saatchi & Saatchi, Chair, Books Alive