2026 Keys of Inspiration Teacher of the Year – Peter James – Risley Primary School, London
The Lang Lang International Music Foundation and the Keys of Inspiration Program is very excited and proud to announce Mr. Peter James, from the Risley Primary School in London, as the 2026 Keys of Inspiration Teacher of the Year!
This is a most prestigious award, as Keys of Inspiration teachers and programs deliver the highest quality music education available anywhere in the world today.
In just a few short years in KOI, Peter has built a truly exemplary international program, including the Season of Excellence celebrations, an event at Steinway Hall London to celebrate Lang Lang’s birthday in conjunction with the Keys of Joy program from China and other KOI programs in the US, and of course his students, who began their studies in KOI, are receiving incredible results on International Piano Examinations. His direct international collaboration with Jung Eun Hong in New York City Public Schools has also been woven into so many of their shared accomplishments as well.
The 2026 KOI TOY competition also had three other amazing finalists, with exemplary programs and all of the very best KOI has to offer. Congratulations to all, and thank you to everyone who applied. All of your best practices will now go on to benefit future programming.
- Jordan Peters – Newark Public Schools
- Virginia Lopez Alvarez – Boston Public Schools
- Kristine Peters – Charleston County Public Schools
