Classic FM, Casio and ABRSM join together for Classic FM's Music Teacher of the Year Awards 2017

Former music teacher and twice Mercury-nominated Laura Mvula launches Classic FM’s Music Teacher of the Year Awards with Casio and ABRSM to celebrate the best of music education across the nation

Classic FM’s Music Teacher of the Year Awards have recognised and rewarded the UK’s most inspiring music teachers for nearly twenty years. Now, ahead of the station’s 25th birthday year, Classic FM has joined together with Casio, one of the world’s most renowned producers of premium, digital hybrid pianos, and ABRSM, the UK’s largest music education body and the world’s leading provider of music exams, to undertake the nation’s biggest ever celebration of outstanding music education. The Awards will honour five teachers who have made a real difference to the musical lives of young people across the country and will celebrate their work in five categories: Primary, Secondary, Peripatetic, Special Education Needs and Lifetime Achievement. Classic FM’s Music Teacher of the Year Awards with Casio and ABRSM have just been announced on-air, when former music teacher and twice Mercury-nominated singer Laura Mvula joined Charlotte Green on her Sunday afternoon Classic FM show. And today, Laura launched the Awards at Evelyn Grace Academy in Brixton. Laura will then join Classic FM, Casio and ABRSM on a panel of expert industry judges, to select the winner from each award category. The Awards will be presented at a major event at the Barbican Centre on 7 July 2017. Organised by ABRSM, this event showcases the very best in music education shining a spotlight not only on the Music Teachers of the Year but also on the next generation of performers and teachers. Classic FM, Casio and ABRSM encourage schools, music teachers, students and parents across the UK to nominate a music teacher who has had an outstanding impact on their own lives or the output of their schools or institutions. The five Award winners will each receive a Celviano Grand Hybrid by Casio for themselves, their schools or music services. The Celviano Grand Hybrid by Casio is a hybrid digital piano that combines key elements of a grand piano, such as the Natural Grand Hammer Action mechanism that follows the same path as a grand piano, and full-length precision wooden keys - the perfect combination for both new learners and experienced pianists. The Awards form part of Casio's ‘Action in Music’ initiative. ‘Action in Music’ aims to shine a spotlight on outstanding music education, raise awareness of its importance within the school syllabus nationwide and inspire a new generation of music teachers who take action in the classroom. Entries are open now, and can be submitted via ClassicFM.com.  Laura Mvula says, “It’s a pleasure to launch such a key initiative alongside Casio, Classic FM and ABRSM. Learning to play the piano with my music teacher from the age of eight played a huge part in developing my musical style and gave me the confidence to become the artist I am today. I learnt first-hand the positive impact of having access to music, so I’m honoured to be a part of this collaboration.” Classic FM presenter Myleene Klass says, “I’ve experienced the joys of outstanding music-teaching first-hand, both through my own upbringing and, more recently, through my two young children. Having just accompanied my eldest daughter on the piano for her ABRSM Grade 2 Cello exam, I’m particularly delighted to welcome this brilliant organisation on board for Classic FM’s biggest ever Music Teacher of the Year Awards. We’re delighted to have Casio’s support too, as we look to celebrate a host of inspiring music teachers across the UK.” Casio Head of Marketing, Tim Gould says: “Musical experiences and opportunities must be accessible to all; which is why we’re taking action by joining forces with Classic FM and ABRSM to raise awareness of and celebrate music teachers, recognising the importance of music education across the UK. Music can and should be a part of everyone's lives!” Lincoln Abbotts, ABRSM’s Executive Director of Strategic Development, says: “We’re delighted to continue to build on our partnership with Classic FM and Casio, to celebrate and recognise the tremendous work of music teachers who are inspiring the next generation of performers, teachers, leaders and ambassadors each and every day! The Awards will culminate at our July event which is going to be a real celebration of music and the people who make, shape and represent its future!”

How to nominate

To nominate a teacher for Classic FM’s Music Teacher of the Year Awards with Casio and ABRSM, download, print and complete the relevant application form for one of the categories listed below:

• 1. Primary School Teacher Award
• 2. Secondary School Teacher Award
• 3. Peripatetic Teacher Award
• 4. Special Education Needs Teacher Award
• 5. The Action for Music Lifetime Achievement Award