Music Teacher of the Year 2009

Classic FM has teamed up with Yamaha, Sibelius and Music for Youth once again to recognise and reward the nation’s most inspirational music teachers.

As well as recognising primary and secondary school music teachers , the awards also pay tribute to peripatetic music teachers, those who work with children with special needs and newly qualified music teachers.  And for those who have made music teaching their life's work, there's an award for Lifetime Achievement .

The awards were presented at the Music For Youth Schools Proms over the three nights at the Royal Albert Hall. The winners are:

Special Education Needs Teacher: Karen Rough - The Lindfield School, Eastbourne
Peripatetic Teacher: Chris Waters - Midhurst Primary School, West Sussex
Primary School Teacher: Laura Stevens - Kingswood Primary School, South London
Secondary School Teacher: Caroline Gale - Guidlford Country School, Guildford
Lifetime Achievement: John Crouch - North Kesteven School, Lincolnshire

The six winning teachers each receive thousands of pounds worth of musical equipment from Yamaha and Sibelius for their schools.

The Music for Youth Schools Prom

The Schools Prom is a showcase for the UK's young musicians and testament to the dedication of their music teachers. Hosted by Classic FM presenters Howard Goodall and Margherita Taylor, this year's proms featured some of the best of the country's finest young musicians and singers - the next generation of the UK's musical talent.

See the amazing pictures from the Schools Proms below...