First Nations music in practice features in much of what we do as a School, and has since 2016. Work is unfolding in performance, composition, music production, musicology and music education. Much of our collective work is articulated through active programs on the national stage. The award-winning Ngarra-burria First Peoples Composer's program is based between the School and Moogahlin Performing Arts in Sydney, and assists First Nations people to build skills in composition and connect them with the classical music industry. The Space to Create program is an Australia Council program convened by staff at the School specifically for the creative and professional development of First Nations songwriters, performers and recording artists. Our own Yil Lull Studio (named with permission after a song by Uncle Joe Geia) was established as a place for First Nations musicians to record and network.

Our research and broader work connects with both First Nations and non-Indigenous staff and students, First Nations performers, songwriters and composers (inclusive of local community and the music industry more broadly), First Nations music engineers/producers, First Nations music educators, and many major music organisations and festivals in Australia. Essentially, we affirm that culture is articulated via cultural expressions including music. We foster a place of deep thought, dialogue, questions and music-making, yet where criticality in research is coupled with advocacy.

Members: Associate Professor Christopher Sainsbury (convenor), Jennifer Newsome, Tor Fromhyr, Will Kepa, Dr Scott Davie