University News Last updated 14 February
Alumna Carly Palmer and Emeritus Professor of Music Education Martin Fautley scooped top awards at the Music and Drama Education Awards recently.
The Music and Drama Education Awards celebrate the contributions made by professionals, schools and other organisations to the lives of others through the medium of music and drama.
At a ceremony that took place at The Royal National Hotel in London, Carly and Martin were recognised for their exceptional work in the field of performing arts education, having supported numerous students of all ages during their careers.
Carly was honoured with the Music Inspiration Award for her impactful work at independent school St Peter’s School in Kettering, while Martin was celebrated with the Lifetime Achievement Award – Music. Martin received the Award for working in music education and displaying an ‘exceptional commitment to enhancing the lives of others through the arts'. The judges carefully evaluated his long career, looking for evidence of long-standing demonstrable impact on the lives of a significant number of students.
Carly was recognised as a music teacher who has had an inspirational impact on the music-making of the students at her school, where she is Head of Music. For this Award, the judging panel was looking for a genuine and substantial impact on the lives of students through teaching.
Carly said: "I am truly honoured and privileged to be able to embrace my passion and love for music through a variety of musical activities at St Peter’s School. Music-making plays such an important role within our school and fosters a healthy, effective, positive learning environment. The children are just as much an inspiration to me in my work, and I hope to continue my journey of musical exploration, inspiring the next generation for many years to come.
"When I left Royal Birmingham Conservatoire as a Violinist, I never expected my career to take such a path as whole class music education. My experiences within the Conservatoire have most definitely shaped me as a musician, educator and communicator."
Martin said: “I am really honoured to be recognised in this way, and after a lifetime working in music education to have colleagues put me forward for this is humbling indeed.”
Pictured: Alumna Carly Palmer with radio presenter Simon Beale at the Music and Drama Education Awards