A Derby music teacher has hit all the right notes after being named the best secondary school music teacher in the country.
Selale Akdeniz, music teacher at The Bemrose School, has plenty to sing about after being crowned Secondary School Music Teacher of the Year in the 2026 Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards, held in partnership with music education and exam body ABRSM.
The national awards celebrate the very best in music education, recognising exceptional teachers and music leaders whose passion, dedication and creativity inspire and engage young people, create new opportunities through music and make music education more accessible and inclusive for all.
A Surprise Zoom Call
Selale first discovered she had won after being invited to join a Zoom call with radio presenter Aled Jones for what she thought would be a chat about her nomination, only to discover she had won the secondary school category.
She said:
I was completely honoured to win. I couldn't believe I had even been nominated, so to actually win was just incredible.
Selale attended an awards ceremony at London's Royal Albert Hall on the 12th of October, where she received her award with her family there to celebrate her achievement.
Selale Akdeniz on creating opportunities for students:
When I started, my aim was to give pupils a real reason to be interested in music. I didn't want it to be just about learning in the classroom; I wanted them to discover their talents and have opportunities to showcase them.
So I created lots of opportunities for them to perform, from the school's Culture Day, Christmas assembly and talent show to performing with Derby-based orchestra Sinfonia Viva.
I joined Bemrose around the time of the Covid-19 lockdown, which highlighted just how uplifting music can be because, boy, did we need it around that time. Since then, I've seen music make a difference to pupils in so many ways. It gives them something to be part of and something to work towards.
For example, one pupil who struggled to follow the school uniform policy was motivated to make changes so he could join the school band, where he is now thriving. That's what I love about music. It can give pupils a sense of belonging and something positive to focus on.
Receiving the Music Teacher of the Year award has been both a humbling and extraordinary experience. It is an honour that I will always cherish, and while I feel incredibly proud, I am equally aware that this achievement would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of those around me.
I feel very fortunate to be part of the Bemrose family. The opportunities I have been given to grow, take risks and make a positive difference through something I care so deeply about have been invaluable and I am incredibly grateful for that support.
Recognition for the School
As well as Selale receiving national recognition, the school has also been awarded a £3,500 voucher to spend on its music department.
Year ten student Tobi said:
Mrs Akdeniz always pushes us to the best of our abilities and encourages us even when we are at our lowest points. She always sacrifices her time after school and lunch to let us practise our instruments and lets us stay, giving up her free time for us.
Ever since I met her, I have felt my musical capabilities improve drastically and I hope she will be proud of the person I will become in the future, thanks to her guidance. She is so much more than just a music teacher.
Music Beyond the Classroom
Music is offered as a BTEC option at the school, but opportunities now extend far beyond lessons. A growing programme of lunchtime and after-school activities has proved so popular that pupils queue outside the doors waiting to take part.
Deputy headteacher Shelley Baird, who nominated Selale for the award alongside Head of Creatives, Martin Rooney, said:
Selale has overseen vast improvements within the music department, enabling pupils to receive an even stronger education in this area.
She has also embraced the school’s cultural diversity, ensuring music is accessible and relevant to all pupils by recognising the musical traditions of its communities and encouraging children to share their own influences and experiences.
Her passion for music is infectious and she has created opportunities which have made a real difference to our pupils. We are incredibly proud to see her work recognised nationally.
