The global celebration of music making is back, with Make Music Day taking place on Sunday 21st June around Australia and the world.
Originating in 1982 as Fête de la Musique in France and now taking place in a thousand cities across 120 countries, Make Music Day is a musical free-for-all celebrating music in all its forms. People are encouraged to band together and play in free public concerts in many different locations and online.
“Make Music Day is a massive celebration in other countries, but it’s just starting to get traction here in Australia. This year we want to change the message and ask people to think a little more about the role music plays in our society” says Emma Bienvenu, Project Officer for the Australian Music Association and organiser of Make Music Day in Australia. “We are all very familiar with the community, cultural, social and mental health benefits of being involved in playing sports. We want people to remember that making music and enjoying the music of others brings many of the same benefits and can often be more inclusive and accessible”.
Rock bands, songwriters, ukuleles, community bands and choirs, schools and individuals from all genres are already signed up to be part of the musical offerings at Make Music Day events across Australia and online, both on the day and in the lead up to June 21st.
Several local councils around the country are continuing to lead the charge, recognising the significance of music in their communities and aiding in the form of grants, free access to community performance spaces and in some cases, funding full calendars of free events for the residents to enjoy.
The City of Adelaide is once again staking its claim as Australia’s premier live music destination city, they’ve organised a full Make Music Day takeover of the city with over 360 performers playing in 40 venues, from 11am to midnight.
The City of Moreton Bay in Queensland are turning up the volume at their galleries, museums, libraries and beyond with a month-long music trail featuring free events, live performances, jam sessions, workshops, and more, with 38 events planned in the lead up to and on Make Music Day.
“Our advocacy at the Australian Music Association begins with music education and continues right through to the end result, supporting and encouraging people from all walks of life to play and enjoy music in all forms, at all skill levels” Emma continues, “Make Music Day is one of the biggest and most exciting days on our annual calendar for this reason. It reminds people how much joy music brings”.
Make Music Day invites musicians, councils, music retailers, venues, schools, community groups and music lovers across Australia to come together and celebrate the joy of making music in every corner of the country. Whether it’s hosting a street performance, opening your doors for a community jam, supporting local artists with gear and resources, or simply creating a space for people to connect through music, every contribution helps build stronger, more vibrant communities. From small towns to major cities, Make Music Day is a chance to champion creativity, support grassroots culture and remind Australians that music belongs to everyone – so register your event, get involved and help make this year’s celebration the biggest yet.
For more information and to register your event, please visit https://makemusicaustralia.org.au/. Free promotional support for all events, big or small can be arranged by contacting Emma at emma@australianmusic.asn.au.
Make Music Day is presented in Australia by the Australian Music Association with support from the NAMM Foundation and Music Australia.
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