Ally & Martin hope that their nomination will help sharpen the focus on curriculum, pedagogy and assessment in music in primary and secondary schools.

Dr Ally Daubney, Honorary Senior Lecturer within the Department of Education at the University of Sussex, has been nominated for an “Outstanding Music Education Resource” award at the Music and Drama Education Awards 2026. 

Ally and co-producer, Professor Martin Fautley from Birmingham City University, co-authored some free education resources for the Independent Society of Musicians Trust to support music teachers in primary and secondary schools at all stages of their career to develop their understanding of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment in their own schools and trusts. It was also hoped that they would help to create inspiring, inclusive and progressive opportunities within and beyond the music classroom. 

The resource took a wide variety of resources and developments into consideration, varying from teaching post-COVID-19, to the New National Plans for Music Education in England and Wales and the free music tuition policy in Scotland.

The popularity of Ally and Martin’s resources in schools across the UK and beyond has led to their award shortlisting.

Ally and Martin said:

“We are delighted that our work had been shortlisted for this prestigious award. We hope that it will help to sharpen the focus on curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment in music in primary and secondary schools.”

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The ISM Trust, the sister charity of the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), has been empowering music teachers and musicians for over ten years through award-winning professional development, events, training, and resources.