Projects

BRIEF

Launched in 2013, SongMakers is an APRA AMCOS program that aims to support practical, contemporary music education ins schools to build a stronger songwriting culture in Australia, whilst introducing more young people to global opportunities in the music industry.

APPROACH

NSF Consulting was commissioned by SongMakers to monitor and evaluate the impact of the SongMakers program on participants throughout the 2024-25 period.

Our approach included co-designing and closely collaborating with the SongMakers team on an ongoing basis to respond to the changing needs of data collection, utilising and building on existing questionnaires and research, and using qualitative methods to augment the ongoing surveys amongst student participants, teachers and mentors.

We implemented a reliable survey tracking method to guarantee reliability and consistency of research over the 12 month period, which included email reminders, preparation of QR codes and ongoing communications with teachers and program mentors to increase response rates amongst students.

We prepared a comprehensive evaluation report that analysed the impact of all components of the SongMakers program, as well as assessment of the program as a whole. We presented findings to SongMakers program staff and key stakeholder of Creative Victoria funders and APRA AMCOS program staff after the evaluation report had been adopted.

Internal stakeholders have used findings from this evaluation for ongoing development of the program within Victoria and more broadly throughout Australia as the program grows.