London, 8 April 2026 – Amy Driscoll, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board of the Art of the Piano Education Awards and Elena Cobb, Founder of the awards, have announced Paul Harris as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2026.
“Paul Harris is one of the leading music educationalists in the UK, a prolific writer, speaker and composer. Always a popular Music & Drama Education Expo speaker, with a career spanning over five decades, Paul has actively sought to demystify music theory and strives to make a good music education available to all.”
Amy Driscoll, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board of the Art of the Piano Education Awards
“We’re thrilled that Paul Harris has been recognised by the Art of Piano Education Awards with their Lifetime Achievement Award this year. Paul’s work has undoubtedly helped to shape the music education landscape here in the UK and beyond over the decades and carrying on, into the future. Paul’s relationship with Faber Music began 40 years ago, and ever since, we’ve been immensely proud of his achievements, his continued enthusiasm for music education, and his endless energy for finding new ideas.”
Lesley Rutherford, Publishing Director, Faber Music
“I am genuinely excited that the Advisory Board of the Art of Piano Education Awards has chosen to honour Paul with their vote. His influence among teachers and educators is unparalleled. The Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 will rightfully celebrate his exceptional dedication and remarkable talent.”
Elena Cobb, Founder of the Art of Piano Education Awards
Paul Harris is one of the UK’s most influential music educationalists. He studied the clarinet at the Royal Academy of Music, where he won the August Manns Prize for outstanding performance in clarinet playing and where he now teaches.
He is in great demand as a teacher, composer, and writer (he has written over 600 books); he gives the occasional recital, and his inspirational masterclasses and workshops continue to influence thousands of young musicians and teachers worldwide in both the principles and the practice of musical performance and education.
Paul’s next book, ‘Play with Rhythm’, will be published in early summer 2026.