**Three UK Educators Recognised with CMA Foundation’s Music Teachers of Excellence Grant**
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This year, three educators from across the United States have been awarded the prestigious Music Teachers of Excellence (MTOE) grant by the CMA Foundation, an initiative aimed at celebrating outstanding contributions to music education. Alice Tsui, Elmer Feliciano, and David Hutter are among 30 selected teachers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and passion for nurturing musical talent in their respective schools.
The MTOE programme, introduced by the CMA Foundation in 2016, recognises educators who go above and beyond in their music teaching. Each recipient is awarded a stipend of $5,000, which is divided equally for personal use and classroom resources. Over the past decade, the programme has honoured more than 200 teachers and has contributed over $1.4 million to enhance music education across the nation.
**Inspirational Beginnings at New Bridges Elementary**
Alice Tsui operates from New Bridges Elementary School in Brooklyn, where a culture of music and affirmation is nurtured daily. Each morning begins with a song, and Tsui’s guiding principle, “Voices Up!” encourages students to use their voices both in singing and in standing up for social justice.
In her class, Tsui incorporates activities that promote self-expression through music. Her students engage in singing, speaking, and affirming their individual worth with statements such as “I Matter, You Matter, We Matter.” Tsui, who regards teaching music as her “life calling,” intends to use her grant funds to acquire additional instruments, thereby enriching the musical experience for her students.
**Empowering Learners at McMurray Middle School**
Meanwhile, Elmer Feliciano teaches at McMurray Middle School in Nashville, where he has devised a creative approach to music education through a visually stimulating “word wall.” This wall is filled with essential music vocabulary, symbols, and rhythms that are frequently encountered during lessons. Recognising that many of his students are English language learners, Feliciano’s objective is to make musical terminology more accessible.
Half of his stipend will be dedicated to organising group music lessons, which will provide students with extra practice and build their confidence in a supportive environment. The remaining funds will go towards creating an emergency fund for Feliciano himself and funding a well-deserved holiday. He acknowledges that the rigours of overseeing a flourishing band programme can be demanding and expresses gratitude for the chance to invest in both his students and his own wellbeing.
**Creating Inclusive Opportunities with Maine South High School’s Unified Drumline**
David Hutter, a teacher at Maine South High School in Park Ridge, Illinois, comes from a long line of educators, making teaching a family tradition. His passion for instructional excellence is evident in the innovative programme he initiated—a Unified Drumline. This project fosters collaboration between the school’s marching band and the special education department, allowing students from special education to perform alongside their peers.
Inspired by one of his students, Hutter’s Unified Drumline has become a platform for inclusivity and musical engagement. The MTOE grant will assist him in acquiring higher-quality instruments, essential for enhancing the students’ experience in both the drumline and other percussion classes. Hutter believes that while the current setup is functional, it is vital that all students have access to instruments that validate their presence and contributions in the music programme.
**A Commitment to Music Education**
Reflecting on the impact of the MTOE programme, these three educators exemplify the transformative power of music in developing confidence, teamwork, and self-expression. Their recognition serves as an encouragement not only to their students but to the wider educational community advocating for the importance of music in holistic education.
As the CMA Foundation continues to honour extraordinary music teachers, it reinforces the notion that inspiring educators play a pivotal role in shaping the most fundamental aspects of their students’ lives. The stories of Tsui, Feliciano, and Hutter embody the spirit of innovation and commitment to inclusivity within music education—a testament to the legacy of excellence the MTOE programme strives to cultivate.
As we celebrate these remarkable teachers, their dedication reminds us that music education is not just an extra-curricular activity but a vital component of a well-rounded education. Their stories inspire future generations of educators and demonstrate the profound impact of dedicated teaching in the arts.