Dr Laura Ritchie

National Teaching Fellow 2012 Dr Laura Ritchie is a leading member of the University of Chichester's music department and academic community. As a vibrant teacher, researcher, performer and learner, she enables her students to realise their goals through positive achievement. Laura has developed unique Instrumental and Vocal Teaching (IVT) programmes within the music curriculum, the first of its type in the country. Students on both the BA and Bmus with IVT degrees develop practical skills in a variety of settings, from school classrooms to private teaching both on and off campus, gaining confidence and experience alongside their own solo performance training. Laura also co-authored and coordinates the MA in Performance. Laura's teaching is heavily influenced by her research into students thoughts and beliefs about learning and performing. Her PhD, completed at the Royal College of Music, investigated musical self-efficacy beliefs (self-belief in ones capabilities to do a particular task) and developed new questionnaires to study self-efficacy for learning music and self-efficacy for performing music. Laura's studies have extended to include school children who are at the beginning of their learning journey. Her book 'Fostering self-efficacy beliefs in higher education students', in the Palgrave Teaching and Learning series encapsulates practical methods for both new and established academics and teachers to develop and realise their students' capabilities as they develop into professionals. As a musician Laura spans genres, performing both as a classical cello soloist with the University Orchestra and as a member of the pop group The Mummers. She brings students into professional practice, involving them in projects such as appearing in a music video with The Mummers, in large-scale Cello Weekend events at the University, and involving them actively in her open music course MUS654. She involves practitioners and students from across the country in her inter-disciplinary workshops and collaborative initiatives. Her enthusiasm is contagious and inspires staff and students alike to join her in achieving beyond their dreams.