International award for music teacher

Jim Bailey, Percussion Senior Lecturer and former Head of Percussion at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, has received the 2011 Lifetime Achievement in Education Award from the international Percussive Arts Society.

Throughout his long career Jim has made an outstanding contribution to the percussive arts and education, and has trained some of Australia's top percussionists.

The award recognises the contributions of the most highly regarded leaders in percussion education throughout the world. Winners demonstrate a history of exceptional and innovative teaching practices.

"This is the first time the Lifetime Achievement award has been given to an Australian, so as you can well imagine I'm very honoured to say the least," said Jim (pictured), who received his award at the Percussive Arts Society International conference in the United States last month.

Amanda Grigg, Head of Percussion Studies at the Elder Conservatorium, congratulated Jim for his award. "As one of Jim's former students I understand the significance of the contribution he has made to percussion education in this country," she said.