To watch Kane Wheatley teach is to witness a man on a musical mission.

“I don’t just teach music, I build experiences,” he said, standing in the middle of his incredibly colourful classroom.

“There’s a beautiful messiness to it all—xylophones being shared, rhythms being discovered, voices overlapping — and it’s in that mess that the magic happens.”

Kane Wheatley has transformed music education at Glebe Public School.

“In the music room at Glebe, you’ll hear more than just melodies. You’ll hear ideas being explored,” he said.

“It’s not about preparing kids for the stage. It’s about preparing them for the world, with music as the tool.”

Principal Bryce Walker said Kane had given his students a meaningful outlet for self-expression, teamwork, and confidence.

"Music holds a central place in the culture of our school,” Mr Walker said.

“It is not only a powerful form of creative expression but also an enriching way to inspire students, foster a sense of belonging, and bring our broader school community together in celebration."

So successful is Kane Wheatley’s approach, he’s been selected as a mentor to support other primary school music teachers.

He’s part of a program called “Music in Me”, created by the Australian Youth Orchestra and managed in NSW by the Department of Education’s Arts Unit, which has provided mentorship and professional development to more than 800 primary school teachers around Australia since 2016.

Recently, Kane’s been supporting teachers at Vaucluse Public School, working with them in their classrooms as they build their experience and expertise in music.

“As a mentor, I’m not there to deliver the perfect program. I’m there to listen, to model, to problem-solve alongside teachers, and to help them reconnect with their own creativity,” Kane said.

“Sometimes that means demonstrating a lesson or reworking a unit. Other times, it’s simply about giving someone the confidence to try something new.”

The National Manager of “Music in Me”, Bernie Heard, said the program aimed to ensure every child has access to the transformative power of music education.

“By mentoring teachers, we’re building their confidence and skills to bring quality music learning to life in NSW classrooms,” Ms Heard said.

“And we’re investing in the future of Australia’s musical and cultural life. Every child deserves the chance to sing, move, and create music.”

Just ask the students at Glebe Public School.

"Music helps me express myself and share who I am with my classmates,” said Medina.

“It makes me feel happy and warm inside.”

Her classmate Elise said music lessons had taught her to express herself.

" I feel really special when we all sing and play together because everyone brings something unique.

“Music makes life more fun and exciting.”