MUSIC TEACHERS OF EXCELLENCE
Music Teachers Are Superstars
The 2026 Music Teachers of Excellence application has closed.
Semi-finalists were announced December 10!
Honoree finalists will be announced in May 2026!
Music Teachers of Excellence (MTOE) is our commitment to the music teachers who exemplify excellence in the field. Each year, we select 30 honorees for their dedication to bringing high-quality music programming to their students and local communities. We celebrate these honorees through a dedicated professional development day and a formal award ceremony. Additionally, each recipient receives a $5,000 stipend, split between their classroom and personal use to champion their vital work they do across the country.
NOMINATE A TEACHER FOR 2027
2025 CMA FOUNDATION MUSIC TEACHERS OF EXCELLENCE ANNOUNCED
The CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, has revealed its 2025 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 295 teachers and poured over $1.4 million into music programs across the nation to honor their achievements.
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
The CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, held its eighth Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony presented by One Country, the premier platform for Country Music fans, on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. The event honored 30 music teachers—10 teachers from Metro Nashville Public Schools, 10 from districts across the state of Tennessee, and 10 from across the United States. Honorees were selected for their commitment to bringing a high-quality music program to their students and the impact they have had on their school community through music.
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2024
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