State school students will have access to new music instruments and more music teachers after the Queensland Government announced more than $2.46 million in funding for secondary school music education.

Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie said the additional funding would benefit instrumental programs at Chancellor State College, Kawana Waters State College and Meridan State College.

He said Chancellor State College, Kawana Waters State College and Meridan State College were among more than 225 state schools with secondary music programs to share in an additional $1 million to buy more instruments and equipment.

“The additional funding will help cater for the move of Year 7 into secondary school in 2015 and ensure students have access to the instruments and expertise they need,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing to see local students excel in the instrumental program.”

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said from 2015, Year 4 students will be able to study woodwind, brass and percussion instruments at school for the first time, a year earlier than the current Year 5 starting point.

“This additional funding will help students to develop their music skills across a range of instruments earlier and help schools to maintain quality bands,” Mr Langbroek said.

“The Queensland Government will also employ an additional 16.7 fulltime equivalent instrumental music teachers across Queensland.”