The trombonist and music teacher Nathaniel Dye, MBE has been awarded the 2025 Independent Society of Musicians Award for Lifetime Achievement.
The Award is reserved for individuals who have committed their lives to making an extraordinary impact on the advancement of music and music-making in the UK, through composition, performance, musicology or education. There have been only two previous recipients: the composer Jonathan Harvey, and music educationalist Professor Keith Swanwick.
The ISM statement said: ‘The ISM is privileged to recognise Nathaniel’s extraordinary dedication to music education and his unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact. His story is a powerful reminder of the transformative role of music teachers and the importance of accessible music education for all … Nathaniel’s tireless dedication to campaigning for music education and accessibility makes him a truly deserving recipient..’
Following a degree in Bass Trombone and Studio Performance, Dye took a PGCE and entered the music teaching profession. His extraordinary achievements at Nelson Primary School – an Inner London state school, where he began in 2016 as the sole music teacher – included whole class instrumental lessons, five choirs, small group instrumental lessons, and a school orchestra of 50 players. This accomplishment resulted in the Music & Drama Education Award for Outstanding Music Department in 2023. In 2024 he was awarded the Music Teacher Editor’s Award (sponsored by AVID).
Receiving the ISM award, Dye said ‘I’m truly honoured to receive this award from the ISM. Music is a very important part of my life – not just as a teacher, but as a way to connect and bring people together. I believe every child should have the chance to experience the joy that music brings and hope my advocacy makes that a little bit more possible.’
Outside the classroom, Dye has served on music education advisory boards, including advising the Department for Education Music Team. Having been diagnosed as terminally ill with bowel cancer, he is also active in raising awareness of its symptoms, and has raised more than £37,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support through a series of activities, including running the London Marathon while playing the trombone. In 2023 he was awarded an MBE for his campaigning work, and earlier this year he received a letter of support from prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Last month, Dye was named a Music Mark champion – individuals who are recognised by Music Mark as leaders in music education and have a strong track record of supporting high-quality music programmes in schools and communities.
