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North Ayrshire Music service celebrates marvellous Mae
A former North Ayrshire music teacher has been celebrated by young musicians at Garnock Community Campus. North Ayrshire Music Service joined members of the Garnock Community Campus Woodwind Ensemble to welcome marvellous Mae Murray to their recent music practice.
Mae has had an exciting start to the school term as she was recognised by His Majesty the King’s Honours List for her dedication and services to music education.
Mae started her career in 1979 and has worked across North Ayrshire for the past 30 years, beginning her career at St Andrew's Academy, Saltcoats back in 1988. She then became Principal Teacher of Music in 1989 and spearheaded the design and build of the auditorium, rehearsal spaces and music classrooms ahead of the new Garnock Community Campus opening in June 2017.
Now the Secretariat with The Music Education Partnership Group, Mae was instrumental in building the former Garnock Academy's music department into one of the most recognised in Scotland.
Garnock Community Campus pupils were delighted to welcome Mae and hear about some of her impressive musical achievements.
Mae said: “Although I left North Ayrshire Council just before 2020, I am honoured to still be working closely with young musicians in the Garnock Valley and beyond. Previous students and colleagues have shared with me how much I have helped to shape their musical journey and this side of the job has always been so very heart-warming, so to now have had them nominate me to be recognised by His Majesty the King himself, it really does feel like a pinch-me moment.
“I’m proud to be just one small part of the lasting legacy of young musicians we are lucky enough to have here not only in the Garnock Valley but across North Ayrshire. Thank you to the pupils for inviting me back to the school, somewhere that I look forward to returning to as I am now supporting the Garnock Valley Community Concert Band with their rehearsals in the campus.”
Quote: We are so very grateful to have had Mae at the forefront of North Ayrshire Music Service over the years. Mae has dedicated the last thirty years of her career to expand opportunities for primary and secondary aged children to harness the power of music and drama. She has selflessly dedicated her time and craft to North Ayrshire Music Service. Pupils and Music Instructors alike have so many fond memories of working alongside her. We know how busy Mae is with her various musical endeavours but on behalf of all colleagues across our Education service, we would like to thank Mae for her support and unwavering dedication.
Quote from: Andrew McClelland, Head of Service for Education
Some of Mae’s notable achievements on behalf of young musicians include: being part of the campaign and subsequent securing of free music tuition for all pupils and developing a national singing programme known as ‘Singing to Learn’ for all schools in Scotland.
Music Service Manager Ronan Watson adds: “Mae is the personification of dedication, passion and the joy of music. She was a pleasure to work alongside and her legacy lives on as many of our Music Teachers have been taught by Mae in their early careers. We were proud last week to present Mae with a special presentation box and flowers as she dropped in to her old rehearsal space at Garnock Campus. Well done to the Woodwind Ensemble for playing pitch perfect scales and treating Mae to their latest musical renditions.”
Quote: Thank you to Garnock Community Campus for the special invite and lovely gifts to recognise my MBE achievement. I enjoy nothing more than celebrating excellent music making and it was a joy to see the next generation of musical talent and reconnect with colleagues who I have taught and mentored over the years.
Quote from: Mae Murray, Former Principal Teacher of Music at Garnock Community Campus
Reflecting on her MBE, Mae added: “Although I really miss the young people in North Ayrshire, I still have the pleasure of collaborating with them at a national level. I continue to feel privileged to have the opportunity to work alongside talented young people and shape their lives. I wish all of the young people in North Ayrshire’s ensembles the very best of luck in their musical journeys, particularly to those who will have sat musical exams in the recent weeks.
“My hope for the months to come are to continue to advocate for music education in Scotland across all genres, formal, informal and out of school and I very much look forward to seeing some of our North Ayrshire musicians performing in upcoming concert band and festival performances.”
Mae is now the Director of Scottish Young Musicians and manager of the Music Education Partnership Group (MEPG) – a Scottish charity and membership organisation dedicated to promoting, advocating for, and strengthening music education across Scotland.
She also works as part of the Scottish Government Music Group and enjoys visiting different parts of the country celebrating the excellent music making that is taking place and serves on the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's school’s advisory board.
Published: 24 March 2026