The Recording Academy® and GRAMMY Museum® have announced the quarterfinalists for the 2027 GRAMMY Music Educator Award™, and Music Will couldn’t be prouder. Nationwide, 202 music teachers earned recognition from more than 2,100 nominations across 177 cities and 36 states. Of those, 14 belong to the Music Will network.
This recognition reflects what happens when teachers are supported, resourced, and connected to a community that believes in music education.
About the Award
The GRAMMY Music Educator Award™ recognizes current educators from kindergarten through college, in both public and private schools, who have made a significant and lasting contribution to music education. It also honors those who actively work to keep music alive in schools.
Each year, one recipient earns recognition during GRAMMY Week in Los Angeles. Finalists receive a $1,000 honorarium plus a matching grant for their school’s music program. The ultimate recipient receives a $10,000 honorarium plus a matching grant.
For every performer who makes it to the GRAMMY stage, a teacher played a critical role in getting them there.
Music Will Educators Named 2027 Quarterfinalists
- Anthony Santanastaso — “Music Will make us better humans.”
- Ashley Cobb — “Music Will inspire, empower, and connect.”
- Briony Price — “Music Will continue to be a vital tool for healing, joy and connection.”
- Cordara Harper, PhD — “Music Will elevate voices, communities, and culture.”
- Dr. Gene Butler — “Music Will unite, inspire, and empower all populations around the globe.”
- Emily Vite — “Music Will empower communities.”
- Francisco Quixtan — “Music Will help us share our culture.”
- Jason Groon — “Music Will make room for everyone.”
- John Hermanson
- Larry Kennon — “Music Will be a vehicle for growth.”
- Marcos Carreras — “Music Will supports music educators in shaping the next generation of musicians, leaders, and changemakers.”
- Phuong Nguyen — “Music Will helps teachers with invaluable resources to educate kids.”
- Rachel Lake — “Music Will help us change the future generation.”
- Ryan William Mack — “Music Will period. End of sentence. To me, this has always been the answer, not the question, because when we are looking for a means to enrich the lives of our students with culture, camaraderie, and community, MUSIC will be the thing that does just that. It is our means of expression, our space of shared wonder, and the reminder that no matter what happens, there is always a space for every voice to be heard, validated, and celebrated. Music has, music does, and, most importantly, music always will.”
One Teacher’s Story
Anthony Santanastaso teaches music at George W. Hewlett High School in New York. He recently shared what Music Will has meant to his program:
“A few years ago, I was approached by my director of music about an idea to create a Modern Band class at Hewlett. I had extensive experience as a horn player and music director in several rock bands over the years, and I relished the opportunity to bring performing music to the lives of a whole other facet of our student population. I promptly registered to the website, explored the Music Will Academy, and attended a number of excellent seminars and workshops at NAMM.
Through a grant fulfilled by a local community organization, we purchased all of the equipment we would need to begin a Modern Band ensemble — and we are currently in our second, very successful year! I am so pleased to say that NYSSMA, the New York State School Music Association, began to recognize Modern Band at last year’s All-State Conference, and one of the drummers in this first-time-ever ensemble was one of my amazingly talented seniors, who is on her way to UCLA for music.
I continue to reference and make use of all of the wonderful resources that Music Will makes available to teachers and students.”
Stories like Anthony’s are happening in Music Will classrooms across the country. Moreover, there are many more waiting to be told. These 14 quarterfinalists remind us why this work matters and what great teachers can achieve when they have the right tools.
Congratulations to each of them. We are incredibly proud.
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