The Music Mark Awards 2025 Shortlist
17th October 2025
This year, we received the highest number of nominations for the Music Mark Awards yet, highlighting so much fantastic work taking place across the UK! The panel of judges, made up of representatives from the award sponsors and our Board of Trustees, had the tricky job of reviewing all the nominations. The winners will be announced on Monday 17th November, during the dinner of our Annual Conference in Nottingham. For now, we’re excited to bring you this year’s shortlist!
Talk into Action Inclusion Award, sponsored by Sing Up
The Talk into Action Inclusion Award celebrates the work of members that is meaningful and innovative in widening access to music education.
The Music Works
The Music Works’ NHS-backed Health Inequalities programme transforms lives through music—empowering 955 underserved young people with mentoring, outreach, and creativity, reducing low wellbeing by 40% and celebrating authentic diversity.
SLS360
Sam Stimpson, through SLS360, transforms inclusion from policy to practice—empowering over 50 EDI leaders through research, training, and networks that make inclusive music education thrive with courage and authenticity.
Tri-borough Music Hub in partnership with ABRSM and Royal College of Music
The Musical Senses programme empowers Blind/Visually Impaired and Deaf/Hard of Hearing young people through inclusive, musician-led workshops—building confidence, friendship, and belonging in a joyful, creative community where every voice is celebrated.
Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by pBone
So much great work across the UK from organisations and individuals goes under the radar. We want to highlight this work, not only to celebrate achievements, but to share ideas and inspire others with what is happening around the country.
Dominique Jones
Dominique inspired countless teachers and students through her positivity, wisdom, and mentorship—shaping careers, nurturing resilience, and leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, excellence, and musical passion.
Nicóla Shaw
Nicóla has revolutionised music at her school—creating ensembles, inspiring learners, and opening brass opportunities that empower students to excel, perform, and believe in their musical potential.
Natalie Abel
Natalie transforms enrichment through music—leading choirs, bands, and concerts that boost confidence, inclusion, and belonging, driving a remarkable rise in student participation and school-wide engagement.
Digital Project of the Year, sponsored by SpeedAdmin
This award aims to share and celebrate some of the most exciting projects and activity taking place around the UK, that have digital and technology as a key component of their success.
Lancashire Music Service
Lancashire’s Mobile Music Vehicle (MMV) brings cutting-edge, accessible music technology directly to schools—empowering all pupils to create, record, and explore music through inclusive, sensory-rich experiences.
The Amber Trust and Partners
The Mugo is an innovative digital instrument turning movement into sound, enabling disabled children to keep making music and unlocking inclusive creativity through groundbreaking collaborative research.
Heart of England Music
The Heart of England Digital Music Festival 2025 united over 10,000 young people through technology, creativity, and collaboration—breaking barriers and celebrating diverse musical talent across communities.
This Is Not A Rehearsal Sustainability Award
This award celebrates members tackling the climate crisis through music education, highlighting artistic responses, creative leadership, and innovative practices that inspire change and reflect environmental consciousness across the sector.
Millers Music
Millers Music started Piano Equals to tackle music education decline and instrument waste, donating quality pianos to schools and raising awareness through personal commitment and resources.
Orchestras Live, Sinfonia Viva, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Music Service
Classically Yours: ENERGY empowered young people to explore climate change through co-created music, culminating in young people’s collective voice and passion for change producing powerful performances with Sinfonia Viva that inspired thousands locally and nationally.
Stacey Anderson, St Philomena’s CP School
The school uses music to promote climate action and inclusion, combining creative performance with sustainability, free tuition, reused instruments, and community engagement to inspire real change.
Youth Initiative of the Year, sponsored by ABRSM
Celebrating youth-led projects, this award seeks to highlight the work of children and young people in making great music initiatives happen.
Merton Music Foundation
Merton Music Foundation’s Youth Council leads sustainability through campaigns, events, and strategy development, holding leaders accountable and inspiring meaningful environmental change in their community.
Lewisham Music
Radio Lewisham is a youth-led station amplifying young voices through music, training, and broadcasts—empowering diverse talent with creative control, leadership, and industry mentorship.
Lancashire Music Service
Lancashire’s Yamaha Youth Ambassadors empower young musicians as leaders, influence local music plans, and inspire peers, supported by funding, industry collaboration, and future inclusive initiatives.
Don’t miss your chance to join us at the 2025 Music Mark Conference to celebrate the winners of this year’s awards, connect with colleagues from across the UK, and explore Ambition and Quality in music education. Bookings close on Wednesday 29th October. Book your ticket today!
