The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) has presented professor Keith Swanwick with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in music pedagogy, performance psychology and musical experience.
Swanwick’s career as an academic, musician, writer and educator has spanned six decades. His international-renowned work includes a PhD on Music and the Education of the Emotions (1974), teaching in various schools and universities, writing several books on the theory and practice of music education, editing the British Journal of Music Education, becoming the first chair of the British National Association for Education in the Arts in 1987, and chairing the Music Education Council from 1991 to 1995.
Publishing his book A Basis for Music Education in 1979, Swanwick has gone on to give presentations, workshops, and consultancy in more than 20 countries, and, having previously held the positions of professor of Music Education and dean of research at University College London, Institute of Education, Swanwick is now professor emeritus.
On learning of the award, professor Swanwick said: ‘It certainly doesn’t feel like a lifetime! I have been fortunate that my work has allowed me to follow various musical strands, reflect upon these significant experiences, and engage with many musical and academic communities around the world. Where necessary, I have taken issue, as clearly as possible, with ideas in music education that seemed to need addressing.
‘Throughout my career, I have been stimulated and encouraged by countless friends and colleagues, from Iceland to South America. I have gained so much more than I have given in these relationships, and, in a very real way, I see this ISM Lifetime Achievement Award as being for all of us. On that basis, I am deeply honoured to accept it.’
Swanwick was presented with the award by Ros Asher, creative leadership and performance consultant, in a private ceremony at his home in June 2021.
ISM chief executive Deborah Annetts praised Swanwick’s ‘highly relevant’ work, describing him as ‘one of music education’s greatest champions’.
