ANBOC 2026

School music programs are at the heart of student engagement, creativity, and community. Yet, many educators face persistent challenges: retention drops after Year 7, uneven instrument distribution, and limited time to interpret what students are really telling us. This presentation explores how AI-assisted analytics can help us listen more deeply and act more strategically.Drawing on a real beginner band exit survey, we demonstrate how AI can uncover patterns and sentiment that often go unnoticed in manual review. From identifying why students leave, to suggesting instrument-specific issues to predicting which instruments are most at risk of dropout, AI offers insights that empower teachers to make informed decisions — not replace their expertise. These findings can shape recruitment strategies, balance ensembles, and strengthen advocacy for staffing and resources.


Importantly, this session situates AI within the realities of Australian education: curriculum links, privacy expectations, and the unique structures of instrumental music services across states. Participants will see practical examples of how data-driven insights can support program planning while respecting the artistry and human connection at the core of music education.


Attendees will leave with a clear sense of how AI can become part of our toolkit in sustaining vibrant, equitable music programs — helping us move from guesswork to confidence, and from data to meaningful action.


This presentation fills a gap in current Australian music education discourse by focusing on AI‑driven analytics rather than creative AI tools or productivity hacks. While AI workshops are increasingly common, few address how data insights can directly improve ensemble‑based programs — a core component of Australian school music. By grounding the session in a real beginner band exit survey and linking findings to Australian curriculum, staffing structures, and participation trends, the presentation offers both relevance and originality. Attendees will gain practical, immediately applicable strategies for program evaluation and advocacy, framed within ethical and pedagogical considerations appropriate for Australian schools.