National Teaching Fellowship Scheme - Higher Education Academy

Dr Laura Ritchie
Teaching Fellow in Music
University of Chichester
Dr Laura Ritchie is a leading member of the University of Chichester’s growing music department.
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 Foundation Degree in IVT launched in 2005 was
the first of its type in the country, with placement experience embedded throughout the learning.
Students 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. The BA with IVT remains a popular part of the music provision, and this coming academic
year marks the launch of two distinct courses, the BMus with Instrumental Teaching and the BMus
with Vocal Teaching. She 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 doctoral research, completed at the Royal College of Music, was carried out
through the Centre for Performance Science and investigated musical self-efficacy beliefs (self-belief
in one’s 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. Self-regulated learning and skills
acquisition have also played an important part in her research to understand how students 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 and in
large-scale Cello Weekend events at the University, involving practitioners and students from across
the country. Her enthusiasm is contagious and inspires staff and students alike to join her in achieving
beyond their dreams.
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