MUSIC TEACHERS OF EXCELLENCE
Applications for Phase One of the 2027 Music Teachers of Excellence program is open through November 12th.
Music Teachers of Excellence (MTOE) is our commitment to recognize the music teachers who exemplify excellence in the field. Each year, 30 recipients are selected for their dedication to providing high-quality music education for their students and communities. Throughout the program, these teachers are celebrated all year round and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience in Nashville featuring a professional development day and formal awards ceremony. Additionally, each recipient receives a $5,000 stipend, split between their classroom and personal use to support their work in music education.
NOMINATE A TEACHER FOR 2027
2026 CMA FOUNDATION MUSIC TEACHERS OF EXCELLENCE ANNOUNCED
The CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, has revealed its 2026 class of Music Teachers of Excellence, representing a distinguished group of music educators from across the country who are making the greatest impact on their students and communities.
LEARN MOREIn 2016, the CMA Foundation launched Music Teachers of Excellence to celebrate, honor, and invest in music education teachers who exemplify excellence.
Did you know?
94% of public school teachers in the U.S. spend their own money on classroom supplies.
CMA Foundation designed the MTOE program to give back. Each recipient receives $5,000, split equally between their classroom and their personal needs.
To date, we are proud to have honored over 200 teachers and poured over $1.6 million into music programs across the nation to honor their achievements.
The Nashville music community came together Wednesday, Oct. 7, at The Pinnacle to celebrate 30 of the nation’s most outstanding music educators at the 10th annual Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony, presented by the CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association. Marking a decade of the program and 15 years of the CMA Foundation, the evening brought together artists, educators, students, music industry leaders and community supporters to celebrate the lasting legacy of music teachers and the generations of students they inspire.
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2026
The Nashville music community came together Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center to honor 30 of the nation’s most dedicated music educators at the ninth Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony. The evening brought together artists, students, industry leaders, and local supporters to celebrate teachers whose work transforms classrooms and communities through the power of music. The honorees—five from Metro Nashville Public Schools, 10 from districts across Tennessee, and 15 representing schools in 11 states—were recognized for their commitment to using music to inspire students, build confidence, and strengthen communities.
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2025
Corey Graves
Forney, TX
“The CMA Foundation pours back into music educators like no other! They recognize the value, power, and impact of our art form, and they empower teachers to keep spreading the gospel. I am so thankful for this unforgettable experience, for my cohort of 29 new friends from across the country, and for MUSIC! This is a great opportunity for both teachers AND students!”
Hong Le
Hudson, OH
“Thank you SO MUCH for the gift that you gave to us. The gifts that I am referring to are the lessons in kindness, thoughtfulness, getting to know people, and finding ways to bring meaning to them at an individual level…I also wanted to tell you how MUCH I appreciated the diverse representation of the speakers at the cocktail party, professional development session, and awards event…It was truly refreshing to see so many leaders representing diverse groups, and I love that CMA embraces that.”
Neshawn Calloway
Chattanooga, TN
“Becoming a CMA music teacher of excellence has opened the door for me to collaborate and work with other educators outside of my building. The awards also brought recognition to my vocal program which in turn has given my students performance opportunities within our community. The awards reception was first class, and the awards show far exceeded my expectation. I’ve had the pleasure of serving as a mentor and it has been so rewarding for me to share the benefit of my experience with newer teachers. The funds received by my program allowed me to purchase singers masks for my students so that they were able to make music during a very difficult school year. Thank you, CMA, for your continued support of music education.”
Nick Blue
Franklin, TN
“I wanted to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to you and to the CMA Foundation for the amazing few days of celebration for the Music Teachers of Excellence last week. It was beyond anything I could have expected. We truly felt appreciated, valued, and “seen” for the work that we do (and I know I’m not the only honoree who felt that way!), and I am grateful to the CMA foundation for recognizing the great work teachers across the country are doing and for highlighting the importance of music in the lives of kids.”
OUR LEGACY
Our Alumni Network
The MTOE Alumni Network ensures our ceremony lives long beyond the program. We invite you to join a community of music teachers dedicated to staying connected, inspired, and engaged. This network provides a space for collaboration, professional growth, and continuous opportunities to celebrate your shared impact while uplifting the future of music education. Stay connected with a community of experts committed to excellence, mentorship, and the continued evolution of the MTOE experience.
Join The Network