Adrian Maclin has been awarded the 2025 Music Educator Award, recognized for his exceptional dedication to students and music education during the GRAMMY Awards on February 2, 2025.
Presented by The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum, the Music Educator Award acknowledges the significant impact educators like Maclin have on their students and the field of music education. This is the twelfth year the award has been presented, highlighting the importance of music within academic institutions.
Maclin, who serves as the Director of Choirs at Cordova High School in Memphis, Tennessee, has dedicated nearly 20 years to inspiring his students. "Adrian Maclin exemplifies dedication, selflessness, and excellence..." stated Deb Confredo, NAfME President. His leadership and passion for choir singing have not only shaped the musical talents of his students but also instilled values of worth and pride:
"We don't refer to ourselves as a choir class. We refer to ourselves as a choir family," said Maclin. This family atmosphere fosters teamwork and signifies the broader impact of music beyond the classroom.
Students, like Jo Aguilar, attest to the life lessons learned under Maclin's guidance. Aguilar shared, "He's giving me life lessons. It's not just about choir," affirming the holistic approach Maclin embraces. Sean Hunt, another student, initially skeptical about joining the choir, found himself completely transformed under Maclin's mentorship, now aspiring to become a music educator himself.
Maclin's award not only honors his individual achievements but also draws attention to the broader field of music education and its advocates. Out of ten nominees for this year’s award, eight were members of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), underscoring the organization's commitment to championing the work of teachers across the country.
The Music Educator Award aims to spotlight the thousands of music educators who strive to make music accessible to every student. Its inception is rooted firmly in enhancing public appreciation for music education today. "We know the truly magnificent benefits of systematic music instruction; it is life-changing," added Confredo, highlighting music's lasting benefits on personal and professional development.
NAfME’s extensive reach, linking more than 57,000 members since 1907, advocates for equitable access to music education throughout the United States. Through collaboration with educators, parents, and administrators, the association works at various levels to bolster the presence and quality of music instruction available to students.
Looking forward, the call for nominations for the 2026 Music Educator Award is already open. Nominations will be accepted until March 15, and teacher application submissions are due by March 31. Interested parties can find additional details at NAfME’s official website.
By recognizing remarkable contributions made by dedicated educators like Adrian Maclin, the GRAMMY's Music Educator Award encourages schools to prioritize music education as part of their curricula, ensuring its value is upheld and expanded for future generations.