2026 Music Mark Awards Nominations Now Open
29th July 2026
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Music Mark Awards, which will once again take place at our Annual Conference in Liverpool on 16th November 2026. Following the success of previous years, the Music Mark Awards celebrate the achievements of those helping to provide inclusive, accessible, and high-quality music education throughout the UK.
This year’s categories are:
This Is Not A Rehearsal Sustainability Award
Linked to our recent This Is Not A Rehearsal campaign, this award celebrates members tackling the climate crisis through music education. We’re looking to highlight artistic responses, creative leadership, and innovative practices that inspire change and reflect environmental consciousness across the sector.
Talk into Action Inclusion Award, sponsored by SLS 360
As part of our sustained focus on equity and inclusion, this award recognises impactful and forward-thinking work that widens access to music education. We want to showcase the efforts of members who are ensuring that young people and communities are truly represented and empowered in music-making.
Youth Initiative of the Year, sponsored by ABRSM
This award highlights youth-led projects that are driving music education forward. We welcome nominations for any initiative led by young voices—whether grassroots, school-based, or digital—that has made a tangible impact in its community or setting.
Digital Project of the Year, sponsored by SpeedAdmin
Technology continues to open up exciting possibilities in music education. This award celebrates projects that have harnessed digital tools in innovative, accessible, and effective ways to support musical engagement and learning.
Unsung Hero in Music Education, sponsored by Pearson
Recognising the often-unseen individuals or organisations making a huge difference, this award is about shining a light on those whose quiet, consistent, or behind-the-scenes contributions have a significant impact. Help us celebrate and share their inspiring work.
How to get involved
Nominations are now open to Music Mark members via this form. You can nominate yourself or your own organisation’s work, but we ask that you also nominate another Music Mark member (individual or organisation) too. These awards are a chance for members to celebrate, share, and learn from each other’s successes across the sector.
A specially appointed judging panel, made up of Music Mark Board members, Industry Partners and staff, will review all nominations and announce the shortlists ahead of the conference. Winners will be presented with their awards at the Reception on 16th November – the social highlight of the event!
Rosie Lowe, Programmes and Engagement Director at Music Mark said,
“We are really excited to celebrate our fourth Music Mark Awards at the 2026 Annual Conference. These awards provide a really important national platform to celebrate the incredible work happening across the music education sector day in day out and we really encourage our members to get involved. It is always such a pleasure to read the amazing nominations and do our bit to celebrate fantastic projects, initiatives, teachers and young people from across the UK.”
Winners will be presented with their awards at a ceremony during the First night reception on 16th November – the social highlight of the event! If you have any questions before submitting your nomination, contact us at info@musicmark.org.uk.
For more information and guidance about submitting your nominations, please refer to our Awards Rules and Guidelines.
