CMA Foundation Honors Music Teachers Of Excellence At Ceremony In Nashville

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2025 Music Teachers of Excellence. Photo: John Russell/CMA

The Nashville music community gathered on 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.

The honorees included five teachers from Metro Nashville Public Schools, 10 from districts across Tennessee and 15 representing schools in 11 states were recognized.

“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 night featured a one-of-a-kind lineup of performers and speakers. Country soul artist Drake White opened the evening, leading into the 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 took the stage, 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 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.

“It has been a true honor to celebrate these remarkable teachers,” says Sloane Cavitt Logue, WME Partner & Head of Client Strategy and Music Teachers of Excellence Planning Committee Chair. “The Nashville music community showed up with such generosity, and together we created a night that reflects our shared belief in the power of music education. This celebration is a reminder that our role in supporting these educators doesn’t end with Wednesday night’s event—it’s a commitment we can all carry forward, year-round, to ensure music education continues to thrive.”

Additionally, the CMA Foundation gave $5,000 to each honoree—half to help enhance their music program and half for personal use.

This year’s Music Teachers of Excellence are Justin Antos (Dwight D. Eisenhower High School), Jeremy Bartunek (Greenbrier School), Melissa Gustafson-Hinds (O’Fallon Township High School), Dr. Kathryn Spangler (Mt. Vernon High School), Brandon Dittgen (Milford High School), Hong Le (Ellsworth Hill Elementary School), Matthew Shephard (Meridian Early College High School), Eric Songer (Chaska Middle School West), Erin Althen (West Hill High School), Theresa Iacarino (Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School), Michael Antmann (Freedom High School), Nick Blue (Franklin High School), Chuck Brown (Head Magnet Middle School), Neshawn Calloway (Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts), Reggie Coleman (Rocky Fork Middle School), Jandrea Crum (Chimneyrock Elementary School), Garrett Doo (Smyrna High School), Nicholas Efstathiou (Riverdale High School), Marisa Frank (Explore! Community School) Elaina Gallas (Mill Creek Elementary School), Jason Glashauser (South Clinton Elementary School), Carolyn Hankins (Page Middle School), Elisabeth Lay (Downtown Elementary School), Anna Maria Miller (Hume-Fogg Academic High School), Dave Petrelli (Lockeland Design Center Elementary School), Allison Snyder (Hunters Lane High School), Sara Duce (Greenfield Junior High School), Megan Perdue (Sheldon High School), Ethan Chessin (Camas High School) and Haviland Gilbert (Lincoln Elementary School).

Lauryn Sink
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