Peter McMullin named Printed Music Retailer of the Year

Peter McMullin of Blackwell Music (Oxford) was named Printed Music Retailer of the Year at the 2011 MIA Awards (Wednesday 30 November). The Award, sponsored by the MPA Catalogue of Printed Music, was presented by MPA Chief Executive Stephen Navin to Peter at a ceremony at London’s Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel. Peter has been at Blackwell’s for 25 years and is known to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of what titles are available and in which publication a particular piece or song can be found. In fact, Peter’s engagement with music is not limited to retail. He’s also an accomplished pianist, flautist and was for ten years a member of the New London Chamber Choir. On receiving the Award, Peter said: “This is a wonderful and complete surprise. I always enjoy attending the MIA Awards and it’s been a lovely evening but to receive this award is a real honour”.

Triumph for Oxford University Press

It was a memorable night for Oxford University Press who scooped two of the three publication awards (Best Classical Publication and Best Education Publication), as well as the Printed Music Publisher of the Year Award.

The Best Classical Publication Award was won by the ‘Oxford Service Music for Organ: Manuals and Pedals, Book 1’ which was compiled and edited by Anne Marsden Thomas. Like all the printed music awards, the Best Classical Publication Award recognises the musical quality and production integrity alongside commercial viability. “It’s wonderful that the publication has been recognised by the industry in this way, particularly in the Best Classical Award category", Anne explained. The publication was also eligible for the Best Education Award category.

The Best Education Publication Award was won by ‘Violin Globetrotters’ which was created by the violinist and composer Ros Stephen. “I’m absolutely thrilled to receive this award and so grateful to the MIA and Oxford University Press for their support. Through this publication I wanted to make musical styles from around the world accessible to people learning to play the violin. Oxford University Press helped enormously in the development of the publication: from the initial concept, to the cover design and in the marketing of the finished product” she explained.

David Blackwell, Head of Music Publishing at Oxford University Press, said “I’m very proud of the entire Music team at OUP and delighted for Anne and Ros. We believe in and strive to create high quality publications whilst supporting copyright through the commissioning of new works and innovative editions”.

Music Sales Retain Best Pop Publication Award

For the third year in a row, Music Sales Ltd., won the Best Pop Publication Award for ‘Adele 21 PVG’. Tom Farncombe, Managing Editor at Music Sales, said’ “Music Sales are delighted to have received this Award. This publication is a great example of the kind of pop folios that Music Sales produces as print partners to the music industry. The book was put together by a team of long-standing Music Sales suppliers, being transcribed by Derek Jones, engraved by Paul Ewers Music Design, while our Rock & Pop Editor Jenni Norey oversaw the entire project. Particularly relevant is the sheer volume of sales (in excess of 25,000 copies since January 2011). Most people would agree that the industry is facing challenging times, and to have traditional print products like these selling so well is tremendously encouraging for the future of the print music business.”

Stephen Navin said, “It is with great pleasure that the Music Publishers Association supports the printed music industry at this excellent event. Congratulations to all the winners as well as those who made the short-list. Thank you also to Paul and the MIA team for a great evening and their hard work this year from lobbying government for changes to the Licensing Act, successfully influencing the National Plan for Music Education and also inspiring more people to make music through their charity Music for All”.

The MIA Awards ceremony took place at London’s Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel and was hosted by Dominic Holland. In total, 25 Awards were given to honour the best selling, most reliable and/or innovative products and retail initiatives in the UK as well as the top individuals and organisations within the musical instrument and printed music publishing industry. www.miamusicawards.com

MIA Awards 2011 - Printed Music Awards Results

Best Classical Publication Award

Oxford Service Music for Organ: Manuals and Pedals, Book 1

Compiled and edited by Anne Marsden Thomas

Oxford University Press

Best Education Publication Award

Violin Globetrotters

Ros Stephen

Oxford University Press

Best Pop Publication Award

Adele 21 PVG

Music Sales Ltd.