Introducing the Music Teacher of the Year Tui

Recorded Music NZ has announced the opening of nominations for the inaugural Music Teacher of the Year Award: in conjunction with the NZ Music Commission, this award will be presented as part of the 2018 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards this November.

The award will celebrate the exceptional influence music teachers have on children, not only in establishing the foundations of careers in music but by providing a positive and long-lasting impact on their lives.

Recorded Music CEO Damian Vaughan said many artists who make it to the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards stage credit a music teacher or mentor as instrumental in their development.

“Creative kids are brighter kids and international research proves that children involved in music have improved cognitive development, attend school more often and have increased self-esteem and confidence,” says Vaughan.

“We need to celebrate the people who make this possible. Learning to play music is such an important part of childhood and should be nurtured into something beautiful.”

Schools and communities across the country can nominate any music teacher or music mentor during NZ Music Month this May on the Official NZ Music Awards website.

Since 2001, the NZ Music Commission has recognised the valued efforts of music teachers and supported their in-classroom work through the Musicians Mentoring in Schools programme, a Ministry of Education funded initiative that connects young emerging talent with some of Aotearoa’s top musicians to learn from the best.

More than 200 artists have shared their expertise in songwriting, instrumental and vocal technique, recording technology, and music industry insight – including Jon Toogood, Maisey Rika, Chris Mac of Six60 and Julia Deans.

Recorded Music NZ will announce the winner of the Music Teacher of the Year Award in early November and acknowledge the winning teacher at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards ceremony in November at Spark Arena, Auckland.

Schools, communities or individuals looking to nominate their music teacher or music mentor can do so here: https://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/musicteacher/