Music education figures recognised in King’s New Year Honours

Honourees include youth arts leader Matthew Jones, music educator Marion Maxey and Queen’s University Belfast professor Michael Alcorn.

A number of music education figures from youth arts leaders to performers and educators have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours.

Matthew Jones, deputy chief executive and head of music at National Youth Arts Wales, received an OBE for services to music education.

Over the past 18 years, Jones has played a central role in expanding access to national youth arts provision, working to embed diversity and inclusion across Wales. He introduced a bursary programme to remove financial barriers to participation, with most ensemble members now receiving some form of support. 

Tim Rhys-Evans, director of Music at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, said: ‘Matthew is a kind, unassuming man, but this soft exterior belies a steely determination to ensure that, year on year, young musicians in Wales have the opportunity to come together and be extraordinary.’

Among others recognised is Michael Peter Alcorn, professor of music at Queen’s University Belfast, who received an MBE for services to music, higher education and the creative industries.

Christopher John Mostyn Roberts, a former Ysgol Aberconwy music teacher, is awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to young people and music education in North Wales.

Individuals working as classroom music teachers also feature on the honours list. Marion Elizabeth Maxey, head of music at Romsey Abbey Primary School, received a BEM for services to young people and music, while Mary Murray was awarded an MBE for services to music and education in her role as secretariat of the Music Education Partnership Group.

Alan Andrew Craig, founder and musical director of the Springfield Cambridge Festival Chorus and Orchestra, received an MBE for his work in community and choral music, having raised more than £350,000 for the Children’s Hospice Association since 2002.

Among high-profile names on the list is actor and producer Sir Idris Elba, co-founder of the Elba Hope Foundation, who was knighted for services to young people for his work supporting pathways into the creative industries through initiatives including the government’s Creative Futures programme.

For a full list of New Year Honours recipients click here.