Music Teacher Among Grammy Quarterfinalists

Music Education Teacher Valerie Vinnard of Webster Elementary School is one of 212 educators in the U.S. recently announced as quarterfinalists for the 2024 Grammy Music Educator Award. 

The Recording Academy and Grammy Museum present the annual award to a highly committed educator who has contributed greatly to music education. A total of 10 finalists including the grand winner are recognized every year for their remarkable impact. 

The grand winner will receive a $10,000 personal honorarium and matching school grant. This year’s winning recipient will also attend the 66th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles and a range of Grammy Week events. 

“The remaining nine finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium with matching school grants. Fifteen semi-finalists will receive a $500 honorarium with matching school grants,” states the Grammy website.

Any current, full-time U.S. educator who teaches music in public or private schools, kindergarten through college can be nominated for the award. This year, Vinnard was selected as a quarterfinalist from more than 2,000 nominations.

The semi-finalists will be announced in September. The winning recipient will be recognized next year during the 2024 Grammy Awards week.