Outstanding Musical Initiative

Sponsored by:

We are pleased to announce an award honoring an outstanding initiative that has significantly improved music provision for students of all ages. This award is open to any project carried out within educational, charitable, or commercial settings, regardless of its duration or music genre focus.
The initiative must have taken place on or after September 1, 2022.

Our esteemed judges will be looking for strong evidence demonstrating how the initiative has made a demonstrable impact on a substantial number of students, either currently or in the future.

In your nomination statements, we encourage you to provide detailed information about the initiative and explain why you believe it deserves recognition. Feel free to include supporting materials such as YouTube clips, mp3 files, or photos to enhance your nomination, if applicable.

If applicable, please also provide details of relevant websites and pricing structures.

Outstanding Drama Initiative

We're excited to announce an award celebrating an outstanding initiative that has made a measurable impact on drama provision for students of all ages. This award is open to any project conducted within educational, charitable, or commercial settings, regardless of its duration.
The initiative can be new or ongoing, as long as it took place on or after September 1, 2022.

Our judges are eager to see evidence of how the initiative has directly benefited a significant number of students or has the potential to do so in the future.

In your nomination statements, please provide as much detail as possible about the initiative and explain why you believe it deserves recognition. Feel free to include supporting materials such as YouTube clips, mp3 files, or photos to bolster your nomination, if applicable.

If relevant, please also share any website information and pricing structures associated with the initiative.

Outstanding Music Education Resource

Sponsored by:

We're thrilled to introduce an award that celebrates an outstanding educational resource, in any form, that significantly enhances music education. To be eligible, the resource must have been released on or after September 1, 2022.
This category welcomes a wide range of resources, including websites, software, hardware, or any other physical product.

When submitting your nomination statements, we encourage you to provide detailed information about the resource and explain why you believe it deserves recognition. Feel free to include supporting materials such as links to YouTube clips, mp3 files, or photos to strengthen your nomination. If applicable, please also share details about websites and pricing structures associated with the resource.

If your nomination is considered as as a finalist, we'll request hard copy, digital, or physical access (even through retail outlets if necessary) to evaluate the product.

NEW - Outstanding Music Education Print Resource

This award recognizes an outstanding educational print resource that significantly enhances music education. The print resource must have been published on or after 1 September 2022.

In this category, eligible resources include:

• Books
• Sheet music
• Syllabus support material

When submitting your nomination, it is important to provide comprehensive details about the nominated resource, explaining why you believe it deserves recognition. You are encouraged to include supporting materials such as links to YouTube clips, photos, and user testimonials that effectively illustrate the resource's value and impact.

If applicable, please also provide details of the pricing structure associated with the resource.

If your nomination is considered as a finalist in the print resource award category, you will be invited to submit hard copy, digital, or physical access (if necessary, at a retail outlet) to the products for the panel to evaluate and experience firsthand.

By providing thorough information and supporting evidence, you contribute to the evaluation process, ensuring that the judges have a comprehensive understanding of the nominated educational print resource and its significance in the field of music education.

Outstanding Drama Education Resource

We're excited to introduce an award that celebrates an outstanding educational resource, making a significant contribution to the available resources for drama teachers and learners.
To be eligible, the resource must have been released on or after September 1, 2022. This category includes a broad range of resources such as books, websites, software, hardware (costumes, props, devices), and syllabuses.

When submitting your nomination statements, please provide detailed information about the resource and explain why you believe it deserves recognition. Feel free to include supporting materials such as links to YouTube clips, mp3 files, or photos to strengthen your nomination.
If applicable, please also share details about websites and pricing structures associated with the resource.

If your nomination is selected as a finalist in our resource award categories, we may request hard copies, digital copies, or physical access to evaluate the product.
This can be obtained through retail outlets if necessary.

Excellence in SEND (Music & Drama)

An award for a resource or initiative, released or taking place since 1 September 2022, which makes music or drama more accessible to people with SEND.

If you are nominating a resource, this can apply to:

• Books
• Websites
• Software
• Hardware (instruments/devices/other physical products)
• Syllabuses

Released to the market/made publicly available since 1 September 2022. If appropriate, please give details of websites and pricing structures.

If successful, finalists in our resource award categories will be invited to submit hard copy/digital/physical access (at a retail outlet if necessary) to products for the panel to try.

If you are nominating an initiative:

This can be any project run within an educational setting, charitably, or commercially, covering any period of time. The initiative does not need to be new; but it must have taken place on or after 1 September 2022.

The judges will be looking for evidence that a significant number of students have benefitted demonstrably from the initiative or may do so going forward. 

In nomination statements, please give as much detail as you can about the initiative and why you think it should be rewarded. Feel free to include links to YouTube clips, mp3 files, photos to support your nomination if applicable. If appropriate, please also give details of websites and pricing structures.

Excellence in Musical Theatre (Music & Drama)

We're thrilled to present an award that honours exceptional educational projects or resources in the realm of Musical Theatre. These projects or resources, introduced, made more accessible, or aiding the teaching and learning of Musical Theatre, should have taken place, or been released since September 1, 2022, benefiting students or participants of all ages.

If you are nominating a project, it can be run within educational, charitable, or commercial settings, covering any timeframe. It doesn't have to be brand new, but it must have occurred on or after September 1, 2022.
The judges will be looking for evidence of significant benefits for students, either in the past or anticipated in the future.

When submitting your nomination statements, please provide detailed information about the project or resource and explain why you believe it deserves recognition. Feel free to include supporting materials such as links to YouTube clips, mp3 files, or photos to strengthen your nomination. If applicable, please share details about associated websites and pricing structures.

If you are nominating a resource, it can include books, websites, software, hardware (instruments/devices/physical products), or syllabuses. The resource should have been released to the market or made publicly available since September 1, 2022. If relevant, please include details about associated websites and pricing structures.

Excellence in Primary/Early Years (Music & Drama)

We're excited to introduce an award that celebrates exceptional educational projects or resources that have significantly enhanced arts provision in music and/or drama for Early Years and Primary students.

To be eligible, the project or resource should have taken place or been released since September 1, 2022.

If you are nominating a project, it can be run within an educational, charitable, or commercial setting, without any time limitations. It doesn't have to be brand new, but it should have occurred on or after September 1, 2022. The judges will be looking for evidence of a demonstrable benefit to a significant number of students, both currently and in the future.

When submitting your nomination statements, please provide detailed information about the initiative and explain why you believe it deserves recognition. Feel free to include supporting materials such as links to YouTube clips, mp3 files, or photos to bolster your nomination.

If applicable, please also share details about associated websites and pricing structures.

If you are nominating a resource, it can include books, websites, software, hardware (instruments/devices/physical products), or syllabuses. The resource should have been released to the market or made publicly available since September 1, 2022.

If relevant, please provide details about associated websites and pricing structures.

If your nomination is successful and selected as a finalist, you will be invited to submit hard copies, digital access, or physical access (such as through a retail outlet if necessary) of the product for the panel to evaluate.

Outstanding School Music Department

Sponsored by:

A prestigious award that recognizes an exemplary music department that consistently exceeds expectations in providing outstanding music education. This award honors departments that go above and beyond in their commitment to excellence in music provision.

The judges will carefully evaluate the nominated school music department, looking for evidence of exceptional music provision. They will also consider the efforts made by the department's staff to ensure that a significant proportion of students have access to music and a wide range of musical opportunities, both within and outside of school. It is understood that financial and time constraints may exist, but the judges will be interested in seeing how the department has creatively overcome these challenges.

When submitting your nomination, we kindly request that you provide a detailed explanation of why you believe the nominated department is deserving of this award. Clear examples that showcase the department's exceptional qualities and practices will greatly assist the judges in their evaluation.

If your nomination is considered to be shortlisted, the judging panel may request supporting statements from the department. If you are nominating as a parent, student, or an external individual, the department in question will be contacted for additional details before the final judging takes place. It is therefore essential to provide a correct e-mail address for the department indicated.

Outstanding School Drama Department

Sponsored by:

An award for an exemplary department which goes above and beyond in the pursuit of excellence in drama provision.

The judges will be looking for evidence that drama provision is exceptional in the nominated school drama department, and that staff in the department go out of their way to ensure that a significant proportion of students benefit from access to drama and to theatre opportunities in and out of school, within the necessary constraints of financial and time allocation.

Please explain in detail in your nomination why you feel the department you are nominating is worthy of this award, giving clear examples for the judges.

If your nomination is shortlisted, the judging panel may request supporting statements from the department. If you are nominating as a parent, student, or an external individual, the department in question will be contacted for additional details before the final judging takes place. 
Please ensure that you provide us with an accurate and valid email address for the nominated department. It is of utmost importance that we have the correct contact information to effectively communicate with and gather further details from the nominee during the evaluation process.

Francesca Hanley Inspiration Award

Sponsored by:

This award honors an individual music teacher or performer who has had a hugely inspirational impact on students of any age in their music-making.

It is dedicated by our sponsor to a greatly missed colleague and friend – Fran Hanley, who sadly passed away in January 2017. Her whole career was based on supporting and nurturing young musicians and those who teach them.

The judging panel is seeking compelling evidence that the nominee has made a genuine and substantial impact on the lives of their students through their teaching, regardless of whether it is in a school or non-school setting.

You have the opportunity to nominate various types of music educators, including classroom music teachers, university lecturers, music school or conservatoire teachers, private tutors, workshop leaders, practitioners, music therapy teachers, music therapists, and any other inspiring music educator.

In your nomination, we kindly ask that you provide a detailed explanation of why you believe the nominated teacher or educator deserves this award. It is essential to include clear examples that illustrate the profound influence they have had on their students. These examples should showcase how their teaching has positively transformed the lives of their students, both academically and personally.

If your nomination is shortlisted, further supporting statements will be requested from the nominees before the final judging takes place. This additional information will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact and effectiveness of the teacher's educational practices.
Please ensure that you provide us with an accurate and valid email address for the nominee. It is of utmost importance that we have the correct contact information to effectively communicate with and gather further details from the nominee during the evaluation process.

Drama Inspiration Award

The judging panel seeks evidence that the nominated teacher has had a significant and meaningful impact on the lives of their students through their teaching, whether in a school or non-school setting.

You have the opportunity to nominate various types of drama educators, including classroom drama teachers, university lecturers, drama school or conservatoire teachers, private tutors, workshop leaders, practitioners, drama therapy teachers, and any other inspiring drama educator.

When submitting your nomination, we kindly request that you provide a detailed explanation of why you believe the nominated teacher or educator deserves this award. It is essential to provide clear examples that illustrate the profound difference they have made in the lives of their students. These examples should highlight how their teaching has positively transformed their students' growth, development, and overall well-being, both academically and personally.

If your nomination is shortlisted, further supporting statements will be requested from the nominees to gather more comprehensive information before the final judging takes place. These additional statements will provide a deeper understanding of the teacher's impact and effectiveness in their educational practices.
Please ensure that you provide us with an accurate and valid email address for the nominee. It is of utmost importance that we have the correct contact information to effectively communicate with and gather further details from the nominee during the evaluation process.

Music Teacher Magazine Editor's Award

Sponsored by:

The Editor of Music Teacher magazine will be granting this award to a project, resource, or individual of their choice. As such, there is no formal nomination process for this particular award. The decision rests solely with the Editor in selecting the recipient based on their own evaluation and criteria.

Drama & Theatre Magazine Editor's Award

Sponsored by:

The Editor of Drama & Theatre magazine will be granting this award to a project, resource, or individual of their choice. As such, there is no formal nomination process for this particular award. The decision rests solely with the Editor in selecting the recipient based on their own evaluation and criteria.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This prestigious award recognizes individuals working in music or drama education who have displayed an exceptional commitment to enhancing the lives of others through the arts.

The judges will carefully evaluate the nominees' careers, seeking evidence of a long-standing and demonstrable impact on the lives of a significant number of students. Nomination statements should provide comprehensive biographical information and a detailed history of the nominee's professional journey, to the extent possible. It is essential to explain why you believe the nominee is deserving of this esteemed award.

For this award, there will be no shortlist announced, and finalist nominees will not be contacted for further information. Therefore, it is crucial to include complete details and supporting material in your nomination statements. You may include links, YouTube clips, MP3s, or any other relevant supporting materials to bolster your nomination.
By providing a thorough and compelling nomination, you contribute to the evaluation process, ensuring that the judges have a comprehensive understanding of the nominee's outstanding contributions in the field of music or drama education.

The Rocksteady Award for Progressive and Inclusive Music Education

Sponsored by:

We are proud to have Rocksteady Music School as the sponsor of this award, an organization dedicated to ensuring inclusivity and promoting progressive, child-led music education.

This award acknowledges and celebrates a forward-thinking music education project or program that aims to challenge conventional practices, eliminate barriers, and make music education accessible to all.
The project or program may be implemented in any setting, whether charitable or commercial, but it must have taken place on or after 1 September 2022.

The judges will seek evidence of a child-led approach that has had a meaningful and tangible impact on the lives of those involved. Additionally, they are particularly interested in understanding how your progressive approach brings a fresh perspective to music education, as implied by the category name.

When submitting your nomination, please provide comprehensive details about the initiative, emphasizing why you believe it should be recognized for this award. Feel free to include supporting evidence such as social media activity, testimonials, YouTube clips, or any other materials that will provide the judges with a rich understanding of your achievements.
By offering substantial supporting information, you enable the judges to gain a comprehensive understanding of the innovative and impactful nature of your project or program.

Instrumental or Vocal Teacher of the Year

This esteemed award honors an exceptional instrumental or vocal teacher who has made a remarkable impact on students of all ages throughout their musical journeys.

The judges will carefully assess the evidence provided to determine how this teacher has truly made a profound and meaningful difference in the lives of their students through their teaching, regardless of whether it was within a school or non-school setting.

Nominations are open for the following:

• Private instrumental or vocal teacher
• Peripatetic instrumental or vocal teacher

When submitting your nomination, please provide detailed information that highlights why you believe the nominated teacher is deserving of this recognition. It is crucial to present compelling evidence that showcases the teacher's extraordinary dedication, expertise, and ability to positively influence their students' musical growth and overall well-being.

By sharing specific examples and testimonials, you can effectively demonstrate the teacher's significant impact and contributions to their students' musical development.
Please ensure that you provide us with an accurate and valid email address for the nominee. It is of utmost importance that we have the correct contact information to effectively communicate with and gather further details from the nominee during the evaluation process.