There are many young people playing brass band instruments in Australia, yet there is generally an expectation in secondary education, and almost always in higher education, that students will play orchestral brass instruments. This article explores how schools and tertiary music educations in Australia are equipping students to be 21st century musicians, with a focus on players of brass band instruments. Secondary school students playing brass band instruments are often misunderstood by music teachers and can have trouble fitting in to school music programs. Currently, the only university in Australia that offers a specific brass band subject and lists brass band instruments is Griffith University in Queensland, therefore many dedicated brass band instrumentalists choose to travel overseas for tertiary study. This article seeks to highlight a broader picture regarding music education in Australia, and encourages educators (and institutions) to step out of the conservatory-style specialisation regarding brass instruments.