The Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards with ABRSM – our five 2024 winners!

27 September 2024, 08:39 | Updated: 27 September 2024, 08:40

'Best Music Learning Initiative' winners Bratton Brass Roots, and 'Visiting Teacher' winner Helen Minshall. Picture: Courtesy of Bratton Brass Bands and Helen Minshall

By Classic FM

Every morning this week on air, we’ve been revealing the winners of the Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards.

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After months of voting, a judging panel and a public vote stage, the winners of the 2024 Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards with ABRSM have been revealed.

This week on Classic FM Breakfast with Dan Walker, we’ve been celebrating five exceptional music teachers, who are inspiring young minds and opening up access to music education across the nation. These five teachers will all receive £3,000 of musical instruments thanks to Viking.

And the winners are...

Primary School Age: Jane Hurst

Middleton Primary School, Leeds

The judges said: “Jane Hurst was a stand-out nominee for us as she has single-handedly turned around the music provision in her primary school. All children now have access to learn an instrument for free and an instrument to take home to practise on, as well as free extra-curricular instrumental lessons.

“Jane spends her own time outside her busy job as a class teacher to source funding for this provision, and she also arranges music for the many after-school and lunchtime clubs she runs, including a string group, a string orchestra and a recorder group.”

Jane Hurst, winner of the 'Primary School' category in the Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards. Picture: Courtesy of Jane Hurst

Visiting Teacher: Helen Minshall

Lancashire

The judges said: “Helen’s commitment to music teaching shines out. She has shared her love of brass instruments with countless pupils throughout her long career. Bands have flourished as she has fostered a love of music with successive generations of young musicians.

“As well as working for Lancashire Music Service, Helen works as Youth Development Brass Specialist for Brass Bands England, which takes her all over the country visiting schools, delivering workshops and sharing her passion for brass playing.”

Helen Minshall with the Astley Youth Band Tour of Britain Ladies Cycle Race June 2024. Picture: Courtesy of Helen Minshall

SEND: Saiyme Gultekin

St Anne’s School, Hull

The judges said: “What Saiyme has achieved in this special school setting is both inspirational but also remarkable. Inspirational because her practice is a beacon for what it really means to ‘make music available for all’. The offer is as wide and rich as the vision in the National plan for Music with superb curriculum but also co-curriculum offer.

“What is so remarkable is that Saiyme has also created a team of educators to do this with her which also makes it sustainable. With excellent CPD, leadership and curriculum design the offer is not totally dependable on her being there. I and the rest of the judging panel were incredibly moved and humbled by this majestic music teacher but also visionary leader!”

Saiyme Gultekin teaching a pupil at St Anne’s School, Hull. Picture: Courtesy of Saiyme Gultekin

Secondary School Age: Christopher Drake

The Winston Churchill School, Woking

The judges said: “We chose Chris as the winner of the Secondary School Music Teacher category because it's clear that his passion and drive for helping young people participate in music has made a real difference to their lives, regardless of their background.

“Despite a challenging environment, he has managed to bring pupils, staff and parents on board through his enthusiasm and commitment, and has enriched the cultural life of the school and local community. Chris should be an inspiration to all music teachers!”

Christopher Drake with pupils at The Winston Churchill School. Picture: Courtesy of Christopher Drake

Best Music Learning Initiative: Bratton Brass Roots

Bratton, Wiltshire

The judges said: “We were literally blown away by the energy and enthusiasm of the Bratton Community Brass Bands – making music in the heart of Wiltshire. With a programme of concerts, events, rehearsals and activities the invitation is for anyone to get involved – and they do!

“The judges were particularly taken with their Bratton Brass Roots initiative – a fun and supportive club for young learners. This really is music at the heart of community, inspiring the next generation of Brass Banders!”

The Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards are in partnership with the Associate Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM, the UK’s largest music education body and the world’s leading provider of music exams.

Lincoln Abbotts, Engagement Director at ABRSM, said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with Classic FM to recognise and celebrate all the amazing music teachers across the UK.

“At ABRSM we recognise the commitment, ambition and creativity of our music teaching community and the crucial role they play in guiding and supporting young people on their own musical journeys. We all know that taking part in, and making progress through music adds so much richness to young people’s lives.

“Congratulations to all the winners, and our thanks to all music teachers for making a difference in the lives of those learning music every day.”