Every year, the Tennessee Music Education Association (TMEA) is proud to recognize the work of outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to music education in the State of Tennessee. Recipients are nominated by their peers and these awards are presented at the annual TMEA Conference in April, 2026.

Each of these awards has special criteria that must be met in order for the nomination to be submitted for consideration. In addition, each nominee must have two (2) additional references of support for the awards nominee. The nominator cannot serve as the reference. The nominator will need a primary and secondary email address for each of the two (2) references.

Upon completion of this form, an online reference form will be sent to the emails provided in this nomination form. Self-nominations will not be accepted. 

Nominees are reviewed by the TMEA Council of Past Presidents (Da Capo Committee) who will make recommendations to the TMEA Executive Committee for final selection.

Nominations may be submitted only by current TMEA members and must be received, along with two (2) completed references by March 9, 2026 (11:59 PM CST).

TMEA Outstanding Young Music Educator of the Year Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize and honor a TMEA member for excellence in music education who has been teaching between five and ten years as a full-time music educator in a K-12 public or private school setting.

Please be sure to read through the criteria as all materials are needed to submit your nomination.

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1. The nominee must be an TMEA member.

2. The nominee must have completed at least five (5) years of teaching but not more than ten (10) years of teaching.

3. The nominee must be currently actively teaching in grades K-12 in a Tennessee public or private school.

4. At least two online references must accompany the official nomination. (Please note: the nominator cannot serve as one of the two required references.) The following are suggested references:

• An administrator from the nominee’s current program
• Current or former colleagues of the nominee

The online references should answer the following questions. Be brief but specific. 

• In what ways has the nominee demonstrated the basic principles and characteristics of an outstanding music educator, and promise for sustaining contributions to the field of music education?
• In what ways does the nominee evidence excellence in music-making?
• How does the nominee develop and sustain growth within his/her program?
• How has the nominee’s teaching made an impact on students?
• How has the nominee shown motivation toward professional growth and involvement?

 

TMEA Outstanding Music Educator of the Year Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize one outstanding TMEA member music educator from each of the following levels:

• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School
• College/University

This award recognizes excellence in every facet of music teaching (general music, choral music, instrumental music, etc.). Candidates should have completed at least eleven years of teaching. Candidates should show strong evidence of music teaching excellence, regional leadership and involvement, as well as evidence of community involvement and outreach through their music programs.

Please be sure to read through the criteria as all materials are needed to submit your nomination.

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1. The nominee must be an TMEA member.

2. The nominee must have completed at least eleven years of teaching.

3. The nominee must be currently actively teaching in a Tennessee public or private school.

4. At least two online references must accompany the official nomination. (Please note: the nominator cannot serve as one of the two required references.) The following are suggested references:

• An administrator from the nominee’s current program
• Current or former colleagues of the nominee

The online references should answer the following questions. Be brief but specific. 

• In what ways has the nominee demonstrated by example the basic principles and characteristics of an outstanding music educator?
• In what ways does the nominee evidence excellence in music-making?
• How does the nominee demonstrate an interest in the total music education program?
• How has the nominee shown creativity and originality as a music educator?
• How has the nominee’s teaching made an impact on the students, the school, and the community?
• How has the nominee shown motivation toward professional growth and involvement?

 

TMEA Outstanding Administrator of the Year Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize one outstanding administrator at each level who has demonstrated active, ongoing support for and commitment to high-quality arts education programs in their schools. Nominations for administrators who serve in Tennessee public or private schools are eligible for nominations at the following levels:

• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School
• District-Level

Please be sure to read through the criteria as all materials are needed to submit your nomination.

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1. Nominee must have demonstrated outstanding achievement in support of the total music education program for which the administrator is responsible.

2. The school/district or school district under the administrator’s supervision must have an exemplary music program, with all music faculty holding current TMEA membership.

3. The administrator must have served in the administrative position in the same school or district for no less than five years.

4. The administrator must be an active advocate for arts education in the school and community.

5. A financial commitment to music programs must be demonstrated in the school or school district.

6. The administrator must show strong leadership, good school management, and good rapport with teachers, parents, students, and other administrators.

7. At least two online references must accompany the official nomination. (Please note: the nominator cannot serve as one of the two required references.)

The online references should answer the following questions. Be brief but specific.

• How long has the school or school district been under the administrator’s supervision?
• Describe some of the features of the school or district under the administrator’s leadership that demonstrate how the music program is exemplary. 
• Describe the music curricular offerings and time allotment of students.
• How have music programs in the school/district been expanded or improved as a result of the administrator’s efforts?
• Have students or programs in the school or district won awards for achievement or recognition in the arts?
• How has the administrator been an advocate for music and arts education in the school and community?
• How has the administrator demonstrated financial commitment to music programs in their school or district?
• Give examples of the administrator’s strong leadership, good school management, and positive rapport with teachers, parents and students.

 

TMEA Friend of Music Education Award

The TMEA Friend of Music Education Award is presented as an annual recognition of an organization or individual whose leadership, acts, and support have contributed significantly to the improvement of music education at the local or state level.

All nominees recommended for this award should meet the following applicable criteria:

• Be an organization or individual who has made outstanding contributions of statewide or local impact on music education, music students and/or music teachers in Tennessee.
• May not be a practicing educator.

The contribution should be of significant stature. The award may be conferred upon an organization or individual in the political, business, or civic community, or upon any other individual of statewide stature.

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Please be sure to read through the criteria as all materials are needed to submit your nomination.

1. The nominee must meet the above qualifications.

2. At least two online references must accompany the official nomination. (Please note: the nominator cannot serve as one of the two required references.)

The online references should answer the following questions. Be brief but specific.

Describe how the individual or organization has:

• Contributed to music education at the local or state level.
• Supported music education in an innovative way.
• Promoted community engagement efforts to enhance an awareness of the benefits of music education.
• If applicable: Promoted music education at the local or state level through philanthropic or benevolent endeavors (e.g., endowments, grants, fundraisers, or other forms of charitable works).
• Enhanced the mission of the Tennessee Music Education Association (to "promote the advancement of high-quality music education for all").

 

 

TMEA Hall of Fame Award

Induction into the TMEA Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award bestowed by TMEA. This award recognizes exceptional support and outstanding accomplishments to the advancement of music education in the State of Tennessee. This honor may be presented to active or retired individuals or may be awarded posthumously.

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Please be sure to read through the criteria as all materials are needed to submit your nomination.

1. At least two online references must accompany the official nomination. (Please note: the nominator cannot serve as one of the two required references.)

2. The nominee must meet the following criteria:

• Must have had a significant career as a music educator.
• Must have been an elementary, middle school, high school or college music educator.
• Must be, or have been, employed by a school system; college or university; or an organization in Tennessee for a minimum of 25 years.
• Must have demonstrated effectiveness in teaching young people through music and the ability to inspire positive attitudes among students, the school, the community and members of TMEA.
• Must have demonstrated excellence in teaching or administration in music.
• Must have developed, maintained, or supported an effective balanced program in music education.
• Must have demonstrated a concern for music education by active involvement in local, district, state, regional, or professional organizations.
• Must have demonstrated the highest ideals and professional integrity during time of service.

The online references should answer the following questions. Be brief but specific. 

Describe how the nominee has met the following criteria:

• Significance as an elementary, middle school, high school or college music educator.
• Employment history as a music educator. (Note: the nominee must be, or have been, employed by a school system; college or university; or an organization in Tennessee for a minimum of 25 years.
• Effectiveness in teaching young people through music and the ability to inspire positive attitudes among students, the school, the community and members of TMEA.
• Excellence in teaching or administration in music.
• Evidence in having developed, maintained, or supported an effective balanced program in music education.
• Concern for music education by active involvement in local district, state, regional, or professional organizations.
• Embodiment of the highest ideals and professional integrity during time of service.