New School of ACT Publication with Bloomsbury

News

Posted on Friday 12 December 2025

Last month we celebrated the release of Instrumental Music Education with Bloomsbury — a groundbreaking new book created by our own staff and students at the University of York.

Born from years of discussion, research and shared experience within the Music Education Forum, this book reflects the real, global practice of instrumental teaching today.

Led by Dr Elizabeth Haddon, the project brings together contributions from an exceptional team: Richard Powell, Edwina Smith, Bella Powell, Jennifer Cohen, Naomi Norton, Polly Sharpe, Pete Dale, Federico Pendenza, Marianna Cortesi, Owen Burton, Hannah Rodger, our Graduate Teaching Assistants and many former students across the UK, China, Greece and Iran.

Liz notes: “It has been a privilege to lead this project, which has demonstrated exceptional teamwork from the collaborating authors. The inspiring contributions offer new dimensions to instrumental music education. We hope that this volume stimulates reflection on practice and leads to new considerations of instrumental and vocal teaching across the sector, both in the UK and further afield.”

The result is a collection of truly unique chapters designed to inspire new ideas, conversations and research across cultures — and we couldn’t be prouder.

A huge congratulations to everyone involved from the School of #ACT.