The gift of music: Salvos deliver free music lessons and confidence to kids in need

For more than 15 years, The Salvation Army’s Just Brass program has been giving children the chance to learn music for free. Thousands of young people from disadvantaged schools have taken part, discovering confidence, building family connections with the Salvos and carrying a love of music into adulthood.

The Just Brass program was founded in 2010 in Geelong, Victoria, by brothers John and David Collinson, both members of The Salvation Army and both with strong musical backgrounds. They recognised a need in the community for accessible music education for children, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

At the time, Geelong Salvos had 15 members in its senior band and 18 unused instruments in storage. This became the foundation for the first Just Brass group. From the first information evening — attended by 35 children and their parents — it was clear there was strong community interest in a free local music program.

The program quickly grew, offering students in grades three and four (in selected locations) the opportunity to learn to read music, rehearse in a group ensemble at a Salvos centre, perform publicly and take responsibility for their instruments, which were given on long-term loan.

Just Brass program expands from Geelong across Australia

Over the following years, Just Brass expanded into multiple states and even internationally, as more schools recognised the value of the program. There are currently 20 Just Brass programs operating around Australia.

Principals and teachers began to report improvements in student confidence, classroom engagement and academic performance. Parents, likewise, noticed positive changes in their children’s outlook and behaviour.

Grant Kennedy, principal of North Balga Primary School, in Western Australia, says, “We’ve had a long-term relationship with Balga [Salvation Army] Corps. When Just Brass came out, it seemed a great opportunity that we just couldn’t let go. We haven’t got a music program at the school so it’s great for us to be able to allow children the opportunity to take lessons in brass instruments.

“The one thing that people should know about Just Brass is it’s actually expanding the social, emotional and educational outcomes for kids. You think it’s all about music, but it’s also about the confidence of children, the resilience of children, and the motivation to be engaged in an activity where they really do need to focus to have success,” he says.

“These are children that are living in disadvantaged communities. They don’t get that opportunity to engage in music — but the music itself and the confidence [and] resilience is really, really important. If you’re going to spend a dollar, it’s a great outcome to get the whole package for the whole child.”

Value of free brass lessons

Just Brass operates in partnership with schools and communities, providing free brass lessons for children who would otherwise miss out on music education.

The program remains closely aligned with The Salvation Army’s vision to support disadvantaged young people, build their confidence, improve their studies and strengthen family connections.

Julia Roper, who oversees Just Brass as part of The Salvation Army’s Worship Arts team, says there are 20 programs currently operating across Australia.

“Primarily, the model is still lessons in schools and then bringing kids together for ensemble rehearsals at a Salvos centre,” she explains. “But there are some places where the lessons in schools aren’t possible, so they just focus on the ensemble.”

Volunteers are essential to everything Just Brass achieves.

“The program wouldn’t exist without volunteers,” Julia says. “We pay tutors to go into schools, but every other role is done by volunteers — coordinators, people helping with music direction for small groups, even those who prepare the afternoon teas. That’s what makes it possible.”

So much more than music

Just Brass has always been about more than learning music, explains Julia.

“When a child is given an instrument, it gives them a purpose and a focus. It’s also a privilege. They feel proud, they feel trusted, and that builds a sense of achievement.

Principals have told us repeatedly they see children’s schoolwork improve once they’re part of Just Brass. Some of the kids will turn up and the refreshments at Just Brass might be the only meal they get that day. That really brings home how important the program is.

It’s not just about learning to play an instrument — it’s about making sure children are cared for, and that families are connected and supported.”

Success is seen in many ways — learning to play, growth in confidence, teamwork and a sense of belonging for students and families.

“It might be a pathway into a life of music, faith, or just the start of a child realising they are valued. Either way, it can make a difference for life,” Julia says.

Just Brass in Orange: Believing in good for the community

In Orange, New South Wales, Just Brass is experiencing a new chapter under the leadership of Salvation Army Majors Colin and Kate Young, who also run the local Salvos corps and centre. The program closed during COVID-19 but recently restarted with a small group of students and strong family involvement.

“Currently, we have about seven young people involved in Just Brass,” Colin says. “We are hoping it will grow but we also want to keep numbers small so that we can be really intentional in supporting our families.”

Colin has been teaching brass since his teens and sees it as part of his calling.

“I learned to play for free at school,” he explains. “Music lessons and instruments can be very expensive, but if I’ve been given the gift of music, I want to share it. If I can give young people the chance to learn music for free, I’ll be in it.”

Colin has regularly seen the difference it can make, such as young people discovering skills that can last a lifetime, families finding support and communities coming together.

As Colin says, “This is a life skill that stays with them forever. Music can take you places. And for some of these kids, that opportunity could change everything.”

To find out more about Just Brass, visit salvationarmy.org.au/justbrass.