Newcastle University graduate recognised at UK Music awards

Jebby Joseph was named runner-up in the Outstanding Contribution to Engagement Through Music (OCEM) Award, Individual category at this year's Outstanding MAP Graduate Awards (OMGs).

4 November 2026

Jebby Joseph was named runner-up in the Outstanding Contribution to Engagement Through Music (OCEM) Award, Individual category at this year's Outstanding MAP Graduate Awards (OMGs), held at Manchester jazz venue Matt & Phred's in partnership with music conference Un-Convention.

Organised through the Music Academic Partnership (MAP), a network run by UK Music, the awards celebrate the achievements of students, graduates, educators and institutions across the UK. Established in 2016, this year's ceremony marked the ninth iteration of the event.

Recognising music's wider impact

Now in its second year, the OCEM Award recognises individuals and organisations that use music to engage and inspire others, whether through education, community projects or initiatives that deliver meaningful social impact.

The award celebrates contributions that support inclusive learning environments, break down barriers to participation, encourage innovation in music education and strengthen communities through music-making.

Music Education MA alumnus Jebby Joseph was nominated by Dr Adam Behr, Reader in Music, Politics and Society in the School of Arts and Cultures, in recognition of his work and contribution to music engagement and community impact. This award follows Jebby’s recent success in receiving the Dr Jane Nolan Innovation and Enterprise Award earlier this year, recognising his entrepreneurial achievements within his PianowithJebby project.

Music Academic Partnership Tutor of the Year award

The ceremony also saw Dr Behr receive the Music Academic Partnership Tutor of the Year (MAPTY) award. Presented through the Music Academic Partnership network, the award recognises outstanding teaching, mentorship and student support across higher and further education institutions.

Commenting on both awards, Dr Behr said:

"I'm delighted for Jebby. This reflects his excellent work and contribution to the department, as well as to musical life more broadly.

"The MAPTY award is also hugely welcome. I'm very grateful to UK Music, also for their wider efforts in promoting music education, and to colleagues in the department at Newcastle for the collective effort in getting our postgraduate taught programmes off the ground. It was a big undertaking, so it's especially pleasing to see it bear fruit in the success of students like Jebby from our first cohort."

Connecting education and industry

The Music Academic Partnership is a network run by UK Music which aims to strengthen links between music education and the music industry. The partnership helps students develop the skills, knowledge and professional connections needed for careers across the sector, while providing opportunities for educators and industry professionals to collaborate.

UK Music is the collective voice of the UK's music industry, representing organisations from across the sector including artists, managers, music publishers, performers, producers, collecting societies and music businesses.

Image credit: Brendan Clayton / CreateWithBrendan