David Price OBE

It is with immense sadness that we learned of the passing of David Price OBE earlier this week.

Dave was the original Project Leader for Musical Futures. He was the driving force behind the testing of the Musical Futures models and approaches through ‘Pathfinder’ action research projects in Nottingham, Leeds and Hertfordshire involving classroom teachers, Local Authority Music Services, universities and music education sector experts.

Long after his time as Project Leader, Dave continued to act as a critical friend and mentor to those of us still involved with Musical Futures as the research findings and models were shared with the wider music education world, both in the UK and internationally.

He remained close to many of us who were involved in the original Musical Futures research pathfinder teams and I know that I speak for us all when I say how much we will miss this inspirational, warm, funny, humble and down to earth man, educationalist, musician.  I’m sure there are many whose lives he has touched – whether personally or professionally – who will feel the same.

I am so grateful to have known him these last 20 years or so – to have laughed, cried, debated, argued and been simply blown away by the legend that Dave was. His influence has been immense. His opinion always important. His advice always welcome. His directness always appreciated. His respect always cherished. Without Dave I know there are many of us who would not have strived to be the best versions of ourselves we could be.

Our thoughts are with his wife Clare, his family and friends and all those who knew and loved him.

Fran Hannan