Associate Professor in Music Composition Nathan James Dearden has received the Royal Holloway Education Excellence Award for Excellence Early in Career, recognising his outstanding contribution to education and the student experience.
Presented as part of the University's annual Education Excellence Awards, the award celebrates colleagues who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to teaching, learning and student success. Selected from more than 200 nominations submitted by staff and students across the University, the award recognises those who have made a significant impact through innovation, leadership and educational excellence.
The award acknowledges Nathan's wide-ranging contribution to music education at Royal Holloway. Alongside teaching composition and creative practice, he leads several artistic initiatives that provide students with opportunities to perform new music, collaborate with internationally recognised composers and performers, and develop their creative practice through public performances and professional projects.
These initiatives include the New Music Collective, New Voices Consort, the annual New Sounds Festival, and the Picture Gallery Composer-in-Residence Programme, all of which have helped to expand opportunities for students to engage with contemporary music and build experience beyond the classroom.
The recognition also reflects Nathan's commitment to continually developing his teaching practice and contributing to the wider educational community. Alongside curriculum development and mentoring colleagues, he has played a leading role in enhancing the Department of Music's digital engagement, helping to showcase student achievement and connect with prospective students through an innovative approach to social media.
Commenting on the award, Nathan said:
"I am incredibly honoured to receive this award. Creating opportunities for students to create, make mistakes, and learn has always been at the heart of my work, and it is a privilege to be recognised in this way. I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional colleagues and inspiring students, whose enthusiasm and creativity continually motivate me. This award is as much a reflection of those collaborations as it is of my own work, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout my time at Royal Holloway."
Nathan joined Royal Holloway in his academic role in 2021 and was appointed Associate Professor in Music Composition in 2026. Alongside his teaching and research, he maintains an active international career as a composer, with works performed by leading choirs, ensembles and orchestras across the UK and internationally.
Watch
The Education Excellence Awards were presented during Royal Holloway's Summer Graduation ceremonies, celebrating colleagues who have made an exceptional contribution to education and the student experience. You can watch the graduation ceremony and award giving here: https://intranet.royalholloway.ac.uk/students/study/graduation/summer-graduation/video/2026/friday-24th-july-10am.aspx
