The Music Mark Awards 2026 Shortlist

We’re delighted to introduce the shortlist for this year’s Music Mark Awards. With an impressive range of nominations showcasing outstanding work across the UK. The panel included representatives from the award sponsors and our Board of Trustees, who had the challenging task of reviewing every nomination. We’ll announce the winners during the Monday Night Reception on 16th November, at our Annual Conference in Liverpool. In the meantime, we’re delighted to share this year’s shortlist!

Talk into Action Inclusion Award, sponsored by SLS360

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.

Southampton and Isle of Wight Music
Stage Door Rising Stars, a partnership between SIOW Music and The Stage Door, provides accessible performance opportunities for under-18s across musical genres. Through supportive environments and professional mentoring, participants develop confidence, skills and identity. Evaluation highlights strong feelings of inclusion, safety and achievement, demonstrating the programme’s impact on equitable musical progression.

Sheffield Music Service
Since 2021, Sheffield Music Service has expanded access to music education for care-experienced children through personalised tuition, ensembles and workshops. By involving young people in decision-making, the programme has transformed provision and progression opportunities. Reaching 100 looked-after children, it demonstrates how lived experience can drive meaningful, lasting change across music education.

Live Music Now
Live Music Now’s Musical Connections project combines autistic lived experience, academic research and inclusive music practice to improve music education in autism resource bases. Working with families, schools and practitioners, it developed practical guidance, films and policy briefings. The project equips educators to create safe, responsive musical environments that support meaningful participation and learning.

This is Not a Rehearsal Award, sponsored by melded

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.

Portsmouth Music Hub
Portsmouth Music Hub’s Ticking Clock empowers children and young people to address climate change through songwriting, discussion and documentary-making. Developed alongside Chris Packham’s People’s Emergency Briefing, the project transforms environmental concerns into original creative work. By amplifying young voices and connecting artistic expression with local experiences, it encourages awareness, agency and environmental action.

Elmwood Primary School
Elmwood Primary School’s Eco Warriors engages Year 6 pupils in sustainability through singing, songwriting and recycled instrument-making. Linked to classroom learning, the project develops musical skills, teamwork and environmental awareness. By creating original lyrics and instruments from waste materials, pupils explore sustainability creatively, communicate their concerns and discover how music can inspire positive change.

Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
BCMG Young Composers invited young people age 11-14 to explore Winterbourne House’s botanical gardens as inspiration for new music. Led by composer Sara Caneva, participants created pieces for a BCMG violin duo, which were performed across four garden locations. Conversations with American composer Katherine Balch deepened their understanding of nature’s role in musical creativity.

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.

Drake Music Scotland
Drake Music Scotland has expanded access to Figurenotes, an accessible notation system supporting disabled musicians and learners worldwide. Its team has developed a free digital notation programme and resource library, enabling educators to access existing materials and create tailored resources. This development reduces barriers to learning, supports inclusive teaching and broadens opportunities for musical participation.

West of England Music and Arts
West of England Music and Arts’ Wayfinder Toolkit helps schools evaluate music provision, identify priorities and create actionable development plans. Now available online, it supports collaboration, tracks progress and generates summaries meeting Department for Education requirements. Its accessible, evidence-based approach empowers specialist and non-specialist staff to strengthen music education across their schools.

Surrey Arts
Surrey Arts’ Music Labs uses accessible digital technologies to introduce children and young people to music production, songwriting and performance. Reaching hundreds across schools, libraries and youth settings, the programme removes traditional barriers to participation. By sharing recordings with families and creating progression opportunities through partnerships, it supports inclusive engagement and sustained musical development

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.

Cropredy C of E Primary School
Cropredy C of E Primary School gives Year 4 and Year 6 pupils opportunities to learn and perform traditional folk music, culminating in an appearance at the Cropredy Festival. Through this experience, children develop musical skills, confidence and teamwork while connecting with professional musicians. The initiative celebrates local heritage and inspires future generations of folk musicians.

Open Up Music
Open Up Music empowers young disabled musicians through its Open Orchestras and Youth Board programmes. Participants lead musical arrangements, shape accessible technology and direct rehearsals, taking ownership of their creative work. By developing self-advocacy, collaboration and independence, the initiative challenges traditional approaches and demonstrates the value of placing young people at the centre of decision-making.

Sheffield Music Service
Sheffield Music Service’s Voice for Youth enables young people aged 14–19 to shape music education through co-designed discussions and decision-making. Their contributions have created work experience, mentoring and young producer opportunities. By translating young people’s priorities into tangible changes, the initiative strengthens industry pathways, expands participation and embeds youth leadership within music education.

Unsung Hero in Music Education Award, 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.

Jonathan Westrup, Open Up Music
Jonathan Westrup champions accessibility for young disabled musicians through his work with Open Up Music. He has supported the delivery of Clarion Open Music Assessments across the Open Orchestras network, helping schools and ensembles navigate the process. His collaborative, thoughtful approach strengthens partnerships and makes assessment experiences more accessible for participating musicians.

Kelly Dwyer, Sheffield Music Service
Kelly Dwyer has spent over a decade widening access to music education at Sheffield Music Service, supporting families facing financial hardship and exclusion. She champions inclusive provision, guides progression and ensures young voices influence decisions. Her work has helped reshape 34 music groups, creating opportunities that better reflect Sheffield’s communities and their musical interests.

Lancashire Music Service Instrument Warehouse Team
Lancashire Music Service’s Instrument Warehouse Team keeps music education accessible by sourcing, maintaining, repairing and distributing instruments across the county. Their expertise supports schools, ensembles, concerts and events, overcoming logistical and financial barriers. Through responsive problem-solving and dependable behind-the-scenes work, they help ensure young people can participate fully in music-making.