Head of Junior RNCM awarded MBE in Queen’s New Year’s Honours

Congratulations to Karen Humphreys on being awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours for services to music education.

As Head of Junior RNCM, Karen offers exceptional training and support to over 200 young musicians each Saturday. She also leads the College’s Young Projects programme, attracting a further 200 young people to the RNCM each term for specialist instrumental days.

Professor Linda Merrick, Principal, said: ‘At a time when music education in our schools is under increasing threat, the role Karen is playing is transformational for so many young people who are no longer able to access a quality music education through their schools. The roster of alumni from Junior RNCM who have gone on to secure places at prestigious conservatoires and universities and pursue careers at the highest level is testament to her achievements. I am sure you will wish to join me in congratulating Karen on this much-deserved national recognition.’ 

This year’s list also includes MBEs for David Hill, International Chair in Choral Conducting and pianist Christian Blackshaw, who studied at the Royal Manchester College of Music. Conductor Rachel Copley, an alum of the Northern School of Music, was awarded a British Empire Medal.

2 January 2019