Sitar teacher honoured in education awards
A music teacher who for more than 20 years has been teaching Sitar instrumental music in Birmingham schools, has been declared Teacher/Lecturer of the Year in the 2025 Education Awards held in Birmingham.
Gurdeep Singh Dharni, a Sitar String Teacher with Services For Education’s Music Service - which each week teaches music to 32,000 Birmingham children - was nominated for the award by William Murdock Primary School, Nishkam High School, King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls and the Namdhari community.
The award recognised Gurdeep’s “exceptional dedication, passion and innovation in the field of Asian string music education” and “his genuine love for teaching and ability to inspire others”.
Richard Mabbott, Head of the Music Service at Services For Education, said he was delighted that a member of Services For Education’s team of 178 music teachers had been honoured in this way.
“Gurdeep is a fine example of the brilliant work that is delivered each and every day by our dedicated music teachers and wider SFE staff. I am particularly proud of the work our staff deliver working in partnership with Birmingham schools and the positive impact they have on thousands of children’s lives that help nurture the next generation of musicians in Birmingham,” he said.
The annual Education Awards in Birmingham celebrate excellence and innovation in the education sector, recognising individuals, teams, and organisations acting as a platform to acknowledge contributions to education across various levels, from early years to higher education and beyond.