The CMA Foundation Celebrates Nation’s Top Music Educators At Music Teachers Of Excellence Ceremony In Nashville

THE CMA FOUNDATION CELEBRATES NATION’S TOP MUSIC EDUCATORS
AT MUSIC TEACHERS OF EXCELLENCE CEREMONY IN NASHVILLE

Nate Bean and 4Given, Cody Fry, Caylee Hammack, Jon Pardi, and Drake White, joined by Warner Elementary Arts Magnet School Choir, Cane Ridge High School Rhythmic Ravens Purple Reign Drum Line, and Guest Speakers Carlos Whittaker, Charles Esten, and Nicolle Galyon Come Together for an Unforgettable Night of Music and Inspiration

Watch Highlights from Music Teachers of Excellence HERE

Additional Photos from the Evening’s Performances and Special Moments HERE

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, hosted by the CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association. 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.

The evening blended inspirational storytelling, live performances, and student showcases to celebrate the impact of music educators. Centered on the theme that music is woven into every chapter of our lives—from lullabies and learning the ABCs to the triumphant notes of a graduation procession and the walk down the aisle on a wedding day—the program reminded guests that behind each meaningful moment is a music teacher who made it possible. The event created an immersive experience that highlighted how educators shape lives far beyond the classroom.

The night featured a one-of-a-kind lineup of performers and speakers that brought the theme of “life’s moments through music” to life. Country soul artist Drake White opened the evening with a lively set, leading into the show-stopping performance by powerhouse gospel vocalist Nate Bean, a Metro Nashville Public Schools music teacher, performing with 4Given and the Warner Elementary Arts Magnet School Choir, led by former Music Teachers of Excellence Dee Hammonds and Christopher Blackmon. CMA Award-nominated artist Caylee Hammack brought her signature blend of Country roots and psychedelic Americana, followed by motivational speaker Carlos Whittaker, who shared reflections on purpose, resilience, and the power of music in everyday life. The Cane Ridge High School Rhythmic Ravens Purple Reign Drum Line, led by former Music Teacher of Excellence Johnny Croft, energized the room, and actor/musician Charles Esten personally recognized all 30 honorees. After offering an intimate look at the impact of educators on creativity and careers, songwriter Nicolle Galyon made way for CMA Award-winning hitmaker Jon Pardi, who closed the night with his signature rousing honky-tonk flair that had the entire room on its feet. Each performance and speech highlighted the profound influence of music teachers, creating an unforgettable celebration.

“Music Teachers of Excellence is about more than one night of recognition—it is a testament to the life-changing power of music education,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Every student deserves a teacher who believes in them, sparks their creativity, and gives them the confidence to dream bigger than they ever thought possible. This year’s honorees remind us that investing in teachers means investing in stronger communities, brighter futures, and the very heartbeat of our culture.”

The celebration was made possible thanks to the CMA Foundation’s generous event sponsors. From Let Music Fill My World, which sponsored a Professional Development Day, to Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up, which hosted the official Music Teachers of Excellence After Party, and Dreamliner, which hosted the welcome reception happy hour, these organizations helped bring the event to life. Omni Nashville Hotel provided accommodations for honorees, while SugarBee Apples, Quartz Hill Music Group x DC Country, Amazon Music, Wiatr & Associates, AllianceBernstein, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Merrill Lynch, Belmont: Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business and the College of Music & Performing Arts, Hang Ups Jewelry, FutureShirts, and Stephen & Elizabeth Parker provided additional support to ensure every honoree felt celebrated.

The CMA Foundation’s Sponsor a Teacher program is made possible thanks to the generosity of its supporters. Each honoree receives a $5,000 grant—half to enhance their classroom and half for personal use—helping music educators continue to inspire and innovate. This year’s sponsors include Back Blocks Music, Berkley Entertainment, Big Loud Records, Concord Music Publishing, DJ & Kella Farris, Dr Pepper, FBMM, Galante Entertainment, Girlilla Marketing, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Jones Lang LaSalle Brokerage, LLC, Josh and Jenny Van Valkenburg, Katherine and Jay Williams, Kelly Smith and Charlie Morgan, LBMC, Levine Group, Magid, Make Wake Artists, MCA, MooTV, O’Neil Hagaman, LLC, Pancoast Benefits, REACH, Red Light Management, RIAA, Risk Strategies, Rob and Jason Ollander-Krane, Robert and Susan Deaton, Sarah Trahern and Wayne Flatt, SugarBee Apples, Ted & Karey Johnson, Wells Fargo, WME and WHY&HOW —whose support ensures each teacher can continue making a lasting impact in their classrooms and communities.

The 2025 Music Teachers of Excellence honorees are:

• Midwest: Justin Antos, Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Blue Island, IL; Jeremy Bartunek, Greenbrier School, Northbrook, IL; Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, O’Fallon Township High School, O’Fallon, IL; Dr. Kathryn Spangler, Mt. Vernon High School, Fortville, IN; Brandon Dittgen, Milford High School, Milford, OH; Hong Le, Ellsworth Hill Elementary School, Hudson, OH; Matthew Shephard, Meridian Early College High School, Sanford, MI; Eric Songer, Chaska Middle School West, Chaska, MN
• Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: Erin Althen, West Hill High School, Syracuse, NY; Theresa Iacarino, Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School, Towson, MD
• Southeast: Michael Antmann, Freedom High School, Orlando, FL; Nick Blue, Franklin High School, Franklin, TN; Chuck Brown, Head Magnet Middle School, Nashville, TN; Neshawn Calloway, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, Chattanooga, TN; Reggie Coleman, Rocky Fork Middle School, Smyrna, TN; Jandrea Crum, Chimneyrock Elementary School, Cordova, TN; Garrett Doo, Smyrna High School, Smyrna, TN; Nicholas Efstathiou, Riverdale High School, Murfreesboro, TN; Marisa Frank, Explore! Community School, Nashville, TN; Elaina Gallas, Mill Creek Elementary School, Nolensville, TN; Jason Glashauser, South Clinton Elementary School, Clinton, TN; Carolyn Hankins, Page Middle School, Franklin, TN; Elisabeth Lay, Downtown Elementary School, Memphis, TN; Anna Maria Miller, Hume-Fogg Academic High School, Nashville, TN; Dave Petrelli, Lockeland Design Center Elementary School, Nashville, TN; Allison Snyder, Hunters Lane High School, Nashville, TN
• Southwest: Sara Duce, Greenfield Junior High School, Gilbert, AZ
• West: Megan Perdue, Sheldon High School, Eugene, OR; Ethan Chessin, Camas High School, Camas, WA; Haviland Gilbert, Lincoln Elementary School, Kennewick, WA

Applications for the 2026 Music Teachers of Excellence are now open! Nominate a standout teacher or encourage a music educator to apply and help recognize the incredible impact they make in their classrooms and communities. Visit CMAfoundation.org to learn more.

About the CMA Foundation:

The CMA Foundation transforms lives through the power of music education. Established by the Country Music Association in 2011 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, the nonprofit 501(c)(3) invests in high-quality programs that ensure all students have access to music. In partnership with the music industry and like-minded nonprofits, the CMA Foundation directs research-informed funding where it makes the greatest impact—empowering music teachers through professional development, providing resources for classrooms and programs, and creating life-changing opportunities for students.