Music teachers honoured in MTOTY awards at Schools Prom

13 November 2012, 17:30 | Updated: 15 December 2016, 11:50

Richard Hallam MBE and Keith Farr are both honoured at Monday's Schools Prom with Classic FM Music Teacher Of The Year Awards.

The Classic FM Music Teacher Of The Year Awards kicked off last night at the Music For Youth Schools Prom, with Richard Hallam MBE and Keith Farr receiving the first two awards, presented to them by Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries. The remaining awards will be given out at Tuesday and Wednesday's concerts.

Richard Hallam MBE was given the Lifetime Achievement award for his services to music education. Originally a brass teacher, player and former Head of Music Service at Oxfordshire County Council, Hallam also became an adviser to numerous musical bodies and governments.

He told Classic FM's Tim Lihoreau: "To have been nominated by one's own colleagues is just fantastic."

Keith Farr scooped the Primary School Music Teacher Of The Year award for his work at Hillstone Primary School in Birmingham. Despite being a teacher there for only three years, the school has become an Arts Hub and now has several new music education initiatives.

Keith added: "The work's hardly started yet… But it's well worth it for the children."

Managing director of Classic FM Darren Henley commented: "Music Teachers are heroes – without their hard work and dedication many children would not experience the joy of making and listening to music. We’re delighted to salute and celebrate six of the UK’s most inspirational music teachers through our awards."