Music Educator Award

Presented by: Recording Academy and Grammy Museum

Focus: Recognizes current U.S. music educators who have made significant and lasting contributions to music education and demonstrate commitment to maintaining music in schools.

Eligibility

• Geographic Scope: United States (all 50 states)
• Applicant Type: Current music teachers only
• Who Can Nominate: Students, parents, friends, colleagues, community members, school administrators, and self-nominations are accepted

Award Structure

• 1 Recipient: $10,000 honorarium + matching grant for school's music program
• 9 Finalists: $1,000 honorarium + matching grants
• 15 Semifinalists: $500 honorarium + matching school grants

Program Support

Funded by: The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation

Partner Organizations: American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, NAMM Foundation, National Education Association

Process

Nominated teachers are notified and invited to complete an application. One recipient is selected from 10 finalists annually.

Application Process

1. Nomination Phase: Anyone can submit a nomination of a music educator
2. Notification & Application: Nominated teachers are contacted and invited to complete an application
3. Selection: One recipient selected from 10 finalists
4. Recognition: Honored at Recording Academy's Special Merit Awards Ceremony during Grammy Week

2027 Timeline:

• Nominations due: Sunday, March 15, 2026
• Applications due: Tuesday, March 31, 2026