Professor Steve Stanton receiving the National Teaching Fellowship award from Professor Sir Robert Burgess, chairman of the Higher Education Academy.

Steve Stanton, Professor of Music and Performing Arts at City University London, has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in recognition of his ‘highly valuable contribution to learning and teaching.’

The award winners were chosen from nominations submitted by higher education institutions across England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Submissions were assessed against three criteria: individual excellence, raising the profile of excellence, and developing excellence. Successful Fellows receive an award of £10,000, which may be used for their professional development in teaching and learning or aspects of pedagogy.

Since joining City in 1977, Professor Stanton has proven to be extremely popular with both staff and students. He has led curriculum innovation within the Department of Music and, via his role as Dean of Validation, has influenced the direction of degree courses at several internationally-renowned conservatoires.

His interdisciplinary approach is evident through his contributions to courses connected with City. He initiated the validation relationship with the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Centre and contributed to the design of groundbreaking Masters and Research programmes.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Chief Executive of the HEA, said: “The new Fellows we have created this year have all made a highly valuable contribution to learning and teaching within their institutions and often more widely. Students deserve – and expect – the best possible learning experience during their time in higher education, and fantastic staff such as National Teaching Fellows help to deliver this experience.”

The new National Teaching Fellows will officially receive their awards at a ceremony due to take place in London on Wednesday 10 October 2012.