Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music

Mr PETER DRAPER (Tamworth) [2.11 p.m.]: Tamworth is justifiably proud of being known nationally and internationally as Australia's country music capital. However, the community's musical talent runs much deeper. Locally the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music can be very appropriately described as a centre of musical excellence. Like other conservatoriums around the State, Tamworth expanded significantly following a substantial increase in funding in 2001. Unfortunately that funding level has not been reviewed since and, in tandem with drought and rising living costs, the conservatorium is being pushed to the very edge of sustainability. With the State Government now providing less than 20 per cent of funds, it is fortunate that Tamworth conservatorium is strongly supported by the local community so it can maintain both the range and quality of musical education and training for its students. In fact, the many achievements of the conservatorium were recently acknowledged at the Joblink Plus Quality Business Awards, where it picked up the award for employment, training and education.

In 2009 the Tamworth conservatorium will celebrate its twenty-fifth birthday. Over those years it has educated and inspired thousands of young musicians, some of whom are now performing and teaching internationally. Others are applying their skills to other artistic endeavours, but all of them are experiencing a rich and fulfilling lifestyle stemming from the decision by a small band of dedicated citizens to provide and promote an education in the arts. Our conservatorium provides a wide range of disciplines including vocal, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, brass, percussion, pianoforte, violin, viola, double bass, guitar, musicianship, composition, orchestral, and early childhood programs.

In addition, Tamworth conservatorium is involved in many community events and school programs, and staff participate in performing arts programs where the standard of excellence just continues to rise. To develop closer relations with local schools, the conservatorium has established the role of coordinator—schools program, and it is hoped this dedicated position will further advance the lines of communication and encourage a positive attitude towards professional tuition. The importance of the Tamworth conservatorium is undisputed, with the standard of musical performance and artistic appreciation higher than at any other time. Its close connection with the Sydney Symphony saw more than 3,000 fans attend the seventy-fifth birthday concert held at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre, and Tamworth Musical Society's excellent productions feature many of the conservatorium's students, past and present, in solo roles, chorus and orchestra.

I mentioned community support for the conservatorium. As an example, when the 25-year-old chapel grand piano needed replacing, the conservatorium undertook a novel fundraising venture, with the general public invited to purchase one or more of the new piano's 88 keys. With varying prices for keys, ranging from the most frequently used to those rarely played, the funds needed were raised in six months, and the public response was so strong that the new RX6 required two separate events for its launch: a cocktail party and concert, plus an afternoon tea and concert. Tamworth Foundation for Musical Education provides valuable support to the conservatorium, working quietly but effectively behind the scenes to provide significant financial support for administrative expenses such as staff superannuation and recess funding. As a result of prudent fund management by the foundation board, Tamworth conservatorium staff enjoy financial benefits unavailable at any other regional conservatorium across the State.

Also much appreciated is the fantastic contribution and assistance provided by the Friends of Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music, who add value at all conservatorium functions through catering and general support. Sponsorship from local businesses, service clubs and individuals provides critical assistance for needy students. Given increased interest rates, high fuel costs and rising grocery prices, I commend the management board for holding tuition fees to a $1 per hour increase for 2008. Sadly, the provision of quality musical education is increasingly under threat, with government funding remaining static since 2001. Positively, it appears that many of the previous concerns regarding disbursement of funding have been overcome through improved timing of allocations, which allows better planning and management.

The conservatorium has experienced a sharp increase in student numbers, plus full-time professional teaching and administrative staff. With this heightened level of professional capacity, the increased demand has put significant pressure on the conservatorium's cash flow, and the ability to meet legislative requirements has decreased. While public demand for music education provision is increasing, the capacity of regional conservatoriums to service this demand is diminishing as the true value of current government funding drops. In regional New South Wales this is exacerbated by the volatility of climatic and economic conditions. As a board member of the conservatorium and with both my children attending as students, I must confess to having a vested interest in the facility. However, I strongly believe the State Government has a duty to provide an appropriate level of funding so all students have an opportunity to be part of this incredibly valuable musical education experience.