Awards & Recognitions
TMEA is proud to pay homage to those of our membership and other individuals who have gone above and beyond in serving the musical arts and the education of students. TMEA gives awards in the following categories: Hall of Fame, Outstanding Young Music Educator, Outstanding Administrator, and Friend of Music Education. We pay tribute to these honorees by listing their names on this page.
Please View Criteria Below for Each Award
TMEA Hall of Fame
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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.
Outstanding Music Educator of the Year
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The purpose of this award is to recognize one outstanding TMEA member music educator from each of the following levels:
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Elementary School
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Middle School
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High School
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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.
Hall of Fame Award
Given in recognition for exceptional support and outstanding accomplishments by our members to the advancement of music education in the schools of Tennessee, both public and private.
Outstanding Young Music Educator Award
Given in recognition of work by one or more young music educators who have shown extraordinary promise, diligence, and success.
Name | Date |
|---|---|
Dr. Carol Crittenden | 2024 |
Dr. Joe Hermann | 2024 |
Dr. Nancy Boone-Allsbrook | 2023 |
David M. Royse, Ph.D. | 2022 |
R. Winston Morris | 2022 |
Dian Eddleman | 2019 |
Ellen Koziel | 2017 |
Jim Holcomb | 2017 |
Susan Ramsey | 2016 |
William R. Lee | 2012 |
Ron Meers | 2011 |
Jo Ann Hood | 2010 |
Ray Bell | 2009 |
Stephen Coleman | 2009 |
Marion Coleman | 2009 |
Mary Ann Stephens Moses | 2009 |
Jay Craven | 2008 |
Solie Fott | 2008 |
Bobby Jean Frost | 2007 |
Madeline Bridges | 2006 |
Frank Hale | 2006 |
Wayne Pegram | 2005 |
Joe W. Giles | 2004 |
T. Earl Hinton | 2004 |
WJ Julian | 2004 |
Title | School | Year |
|---|---|---|
Lucy Alegria | Beech High School | 2025 |
Rose Helmer | 2024 | |
Anna Laura Williams | Siegel Middle School | 2023 |
John Womack | Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Magnet School | 2022 |
Corynn York | Rocky Fork Elementary School | 2022 |
Carter Noblin | Wilson Central High School | 2019 |
Linzie Mullins | Snowden School | 2019 |
Douglas Young | Munford High School | 2018 |
Jeff Mayo | Brighton Middle School | 2017 |
Brian Gallaher | (Posthumously) Ocoee Middle School | 2016 |
Nakisha Williams | White Station High School | 2016 |
David Potter | Levi Elementary School | 2016 |
Outstanding Music Educator of the Year
Given in recognition of work by one or more university music educators who have shown extraordinary promise, diligence, and success.
Name | School | Year | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
Dr. Reginald McDonald | Tennessee State University | 2024 | College/University |
Reggie Coleman | Eocky Fork Middle School | 2024 | Middle School |
Stacy Jernigan | Wilson Central High School | 2024 | High School |
Tammy Holt | Briarcrest Christian School | 2024 | Elementary |
Ashby Goldstein | Carson-Newman University | 2025 | College/University |
Evan Burton | Page Middle School | 2025 | Middle School |
Reese Herring | Arlington Middle School | 2025 | Middle School |
Outstanding Administrator Award
Given in recognition of significant leadership by one or more school administrators in support of music education.
Year | Name | Title | School |
|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Mr. Roger Jones | Principal | Collierville High School |
2022 | Ramona Best | Principal | Coulter Grove Intermediate School, Maryville City Schools |
2022 | Kelly Johnson | Director of Schools | Clinton City Schools |
2022 | Linda Cash, Ed. D | Superintendent | Bradley County Schools |
2022 | Gregory Stewart, Ed. D | Principal | Nashville School of the Arts |
2019 | Dr. Chris Causey | Director of Schools | Robertson County Schools |
2019 | Dr. Angela McShepard-Ray | Principal | Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet School for Health Sciences and Engineering at Historic Pearl High School |
2018 | Mr. Wincle Sterling | Arts Instructional Advisor | Shelby County Schools |
2018 | Mr. Derek Rushworth | Principal | Lookout Valley Middle/High School |
2017 | Mr. Letoni Murry | Principal | Stewarts Creek Middle School |
2017 | Dr. Eric Lifsey | Principal | Fred J. Page Middle School |
2017 | Mr. Travis Mayfield | Principal | Wilson Central High School |
Friend of Music Education Award
Given in recognition of an individual, organization and/or a corporation who have contributed in a significant way to the support of music education in Tennessee.
Year | Name | Organization |
|---|---|---|
2025 | Paul Plant | Esquire |
2022 | Nick Averwater | Amro Music Stores, Inc. |
2019 | Peter Abell | President and CEO, Memphis Symphony Orchestra |
2019 | Robert and Beverly Puckett | Clarksville Youth Performing Arts Association |
2017 | Tabor Stamper | KHS America, Mt. Juliet |
2017 | Steve Boyce | Rush's Musical Services, Knoxville |
2016 | Shuff's Music | Shuff's Music, Franklin, TN |
2015 | Allen Haynes | The Music Stop, Murfreesboro |
2014 | David Golden | Eastman Chemical |
2013 | Rick DeJonge | Jupiter Band/KHS |
2012 | Ted Summitt | Owner Summitt Pianos, Chattanooga |
2012 | Tommy Eds | Steinway Representative |