Grab your Passport

Live music encourages curiosity and exploration, and Music of the World offers students the opportunity to discover new sounds and cultures. We sat down with Mark Turner, one of the musicians behind Musica Viva Australia In School’s latest show, to talk about bringing Eastern European folk tunes, Celtic melodies, and other musical traditions from around the world into the classroom. 

Mark, a multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter based on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja in Perth, plays guitar, saxophone, and piano accordion while leading the ensemble alongside violinist Teresa Vinci and percussionist Ben Vanderwal. Teresa is known for her work with the Hungarian folk ensemble Hot Paprika, and Ben, whom Mark calls an absolute weapon of a drummer, combine to create a fun educational experience for students.  

The trio delves into the music of Eastern Europe, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy, offering what Mark calls 'a taster of some of the places that we love so much, inspired by Teresa’s deep knowledge and love of Hungarian folk music.'

The show came together through creative discovery. Once we started hand-picking little pieces, it was like an explosion of options, Mark explains. Teresa is Italian, so we had the Tarantella, and I wrote my own song  Music of the World that kind of pulls from everywhere as well. The group’s diverse instrumentation helps students find something they connect with. 

'Having so many different instruments on stage keeps it engaging, It means that hopefully someone will be able to connect with an instrument that they like, or that inspires them' Mark Turner

For Music of the World, Musica Viva Australia provides teachers with digital learning resources, including a Stamp Your Passport activity. This allows students to log their reflections and impressions as they discover new music from different countries, encouraging curiosity beyond the show. 

Participation is central to Music of the World, inviting students and teachers to sing, dance, or experiment with looping devices.

During one trial show, the musicians used a loop pedal, a device that allows pre-recorded sounds to play while instruments are performed live:

“We have different looping devices, and we loop a drone that involves the whole school singing together. It was amazing hearing everyone singing in pitch, at different levels. Then four teachers wanted to join in and have a go! They created a vocal drone together, and we turned it into a rock song. Those moments of spontaneity are fantastic, especially with a trio—you can just go with the flow.”

The relaxed and collaborative atmosphere of the show ensures its message resonates clearly. I don’t think anyone left confused about what we were trying to say in the show. All the students seemed to get something from it.

Musica Viva Australia’s education program supports teachers with professional development webinars and curriculum-aligned resources to bring the lessons into the classroom.

On the program’s potential impact, Mark sums it up: It’s an hour of fun-filled music that will challenge your students, make them ask questions, and hopefully leave them inspired and joyful. It’s the kind of show that opens up so many doors.

I have always loved working with Musica Viva Australia and the joy that it brings to all. I hope more people become curious about music and the joy of sharing with others. I don’t know what the future holds, but as we go on, it’s harder to connect with all the screens in the way. So playing live music and sharing it with people is so important. If we connect with even one student and it changes their life, we’ve done our job.

In 2025, Music of the World will visit schools in several regions of Australia, starting in Western Australia.

Perth schools can book the program in Term 1 (31 March – 4 April) and Term 2 (3 – 6 June), offering students the chance to explore musical traditions from around the world. For more details on tour dates and bookings, visit Musica Viva Australia's website. 

Grab your passport and take your students on an unforgettable musical journey.