Brittenback-Meezan Presidential Award

Purpose: An annual $3,000 grant from AAM (with $1,000 parish match for total of $4,000) demonstrating the value of continuing education in enlivening worship and deepening Christian understanding through music.

Geographic Scope: Episcopal Church parishes

Target Audience:

• Small- and mid-sized congregations with limited resources
• Inexperienced Episcopal church musicians
• Parish staff musicians

Focus Areas:

• Continuing education for church musicians
• Developing skills to lead worship in the Anglican tradition
• Deeper understanding of Episcopal liturgy
• Service playing on organ
• Choir training to lead worship

Award Details:

• AAM portion: $3,000
• Parish match requirement: $1,000
• Total annual grant: $4,000
• Two awards distributed in 2026
• If awarded musician is not already an AAM member, grant includes one-year subscription to Journal of AAM

Allowed Uses of Funds:

• Organ lessons
• Choral conducting coaching
• Attendance at AAM's Annual Conference
• Other ideas expressed in successful application

Application Process:

• Applications from rectors (in consultation with church musician) accepted by AAM's President
• AAM's portion paid directly to awarded parish

Note: Applications for 2026 are now closed.

Recent Awardees:

• 2025: Emerson Fang, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Colonie, NY
• 2024: Sean Coughlin, Grace Church in the Mountains, Waynesville, NC
• 2023: Matthew Hoch, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Auburn, AL

Funder: W. Michael Brittenback, in honor of his late husband, Bill Meezan