Keith Ayling is Professor of Songwriting in Music Education at Leeds Conservatoire and mentor for emerging artists. He is the founder of multiple music and arts initiatives as well as the frontman for Britpop bands K and KATO. More recently his Mister Keith Orchestra has toured with the Arts Council and his shanty group Saltburn Smugglers are combining performance with songwriting education across Yorkshire. He also worked with the Music Teachers Association for 15 years.
On his appointment, he said: ‘I am looking forward to continuing my commitment to bringing together the music industry and music education to maximise the potential of emerging music creators and supporting every songwriter – at every stage of their career.’
Leeds Conservatoire principal Joe Wilson commented: ‘I am proud that our world class staff strike a balance between innovative practice in the classroom as well as being recognised songwriters and composers. Professor Ayling is a prime example of this, rightly recognised as being a leader in his field as an educator as well as an artist in his own right.’
The Ivors Academy is a not-for-profit professional association dedicated to supporting songwriters and composers, including protecting their rights and promoting fair recompense for their work as well as championing their achievements, notably in the annual Ivors Classical Awards.
