Naomi Norton

Naomi Norton is a Lecturer in Music Education at the University of York, serving as module leader for the undergraduate course 'Musicians' Health and Wellness', MHW Coordinator, and School Wellbeing Lead. She actively contributes to the International Society for Music Education (ISME) as a committee member for the Musicians' Health and Wellness Special Interest Group.

Her educational background includes:

• BA in Music from the University of Leeds (2011)
• MMus in Applied Psychology of Music from the University of Leeds (2012), supported by a Santander scholarship
• Doctoral research at the Royal Northern College of Music (award validated by Manchester Metropolitan University), fully funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council

Dr. Norton's work centers on identifying and dismantling barriers to musical proficiency, with particular emphasis on health, wellness, socioeconomic status, and psychological factors. Her doctoral research explored health-related challenges in UK instrumental/vocal lessons from teachers' perspectives, and she integrates applied psychology principles to promote inclusive music education. She maintains a multifaceted career spanning teaching, performance, consultancy, and wellbeing advocacy.

Her professional philosophy asserts that all individuals should have equitable opportunities to achieve their desired musical proficiency levels, regardless of perceived limitations. Current initiatives focus on translating research into practical wellbeing frameworks for music educators and institutions.