Christopher Norton to receive Art of the Piano Lifetime Achievement Award
The Art of the Piano Education Awards has announced Christopher Norton, composer of the million-selling Microjazz series, as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025.
Andrew Eales, President of the Art of the Piano Education Awards and Elena Cobb, Founder of the awards, have announced Christopher Norton as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025. The Award will be presented on 12 May 2025 in the Elgar Room of the Royal Albert Hall during the Star Prize Festival.
Andrew Eales, President of the Art of the Piano Education Awards comments:
“Chris Norton’s achievement goes far beyond the global success of his music publications, which have included the million-selling Microjazz series, the Preludes…. Chris has not only inspired two generations of piano players, but has also paved the way for the best educational piano composers that have followed him. His legacy is a world filled with a greater variety of enjoyable piano music than ever before. We remain in his debt and in his shadow. Without any doubt, Chris is one of the most influential piano educators of the present age, and it will be both a privilege and a delight to honour his innovative and outstanding work with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Art of Piano Education Awards 2025.”
Elena Cobb, Founder of the Art of Piano Education Awards comments:
“For the past forty years, Chris Norton’s compositions have had an immense influence on modern piano education, and the Lifetime Achievement will celebrate his hard work, talent, and wholeheartedness. His books, especially from the Microjazz series, can be found in every piano studio in the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and the list goes on! His music transcends borders and generations and inspires new generations of piano players.”
Paul Hughes, Editor, Publications, Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers comments:
“We are thrilled that Christopher Norton is to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at The Art of Piano Education Awards, recognising his extraordinary contributions to music education and composition. Over the course of his career, Christopher has helped shape the musical landscape, inspiring students, teachers, and performers around the globe.
“His Microjazz series, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, has sold over a million copies and remains one of the most widely used educational resources. By blending popular grooves with precise notation, Microjazz makes contemporary styles accessible to learners of all backgrounds. Beyond Microjazz, Christopher’s extensive catalogue – including Preludes, The Concert Collections, American Popular Piano, Connections, and MicroMusicals – continues to enrich musical education for developing performers across a wide range of disciplines.
“This award recognises Christopher’s remarkable achievements and his ongoing influence in shaping the next generation of musicians. We are proud to celebrate his continuing impact on music education worldwide.”
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