Karman Melitsis: Making music part of school life
Karman Melitsis, a music teacher at The Knox School in Melbourne’s east, believes music is more than an ‘extra-curricular’ subject, helping students develop skills and qualities that enrich their education and last well beyond the classroom.
For Karman, one of the most rewarding aspects of her job is that music can become ‘a special place for all students to feel accepted’.
From classroom to leadership
Karman began her career teaching instrumental programs in primary schools while completing a Diploma of Education (Primary/Secondary) and Master of Music (performance) at Monash University.
She enjoyed working with students of different ages and learning to tailor lessons to their individual interests and goals.
After teaching Junior School Music in the public sector, she moved to The Knox School, where she has taught both Junior and Senior School classroom music.
She is now Deputy Head of Music – Bands and Ensembles, overseeing the classroom band program and teaching instrumental flute lessons.
Supporting students’ musical development through participation in a wide range of school ensembles remains one of her passions.
She says music education also offers diverse professional pathways, including performance, conducting, adjudicating, guest clinician work, leadership and music administration.
For Karman, the next step is to become more involved in community music ‘to help ensure that all students have access to quality music education and instrumental music programs’.
‘This includes providing opportunities for students to participate in a positive, vibrant and inclusive ensemble program.’
Strengthening the voice of music teachers
Karman joined the IEU in 2018 after moving from the public education sector to the independent sector.
As her role has evolved, she has valued the union’s ongoing support and advocacy, particularly around job security and fair working conditions.
She also points to the importance of strong representation at school level.
‘We have an amazing union representative who is always available to support union members whenever we have any questions or concerns.’
Karman hopes greater union membership among music teachers will strengthen advocacy for the subject.
‘Our subject is unique and at times, misunderstood.’
She believes the value of music education cannot be reduced to enrolment numbers, accolades or financial outcomes. Its impact is broader and longer-lasting.
‘We live in uncertain times, and with the union’s support and continued advocacy, we hope to be able to continue to create a stronger future for music education and ensure its value continues to be recognised in schools.’
The Point music education feature:
Feature: Music is more than an optional extra
Sarah Nieuwkerk: From the concert hall to the classroom
Nick Cowall: Music belongs to everyone
Dr Johanna Selleck: A life in music, a life of teaching
Kylie De Calmer: Why music belongs in every classroom
