State Awards
CMEA members can nominate candidates that they feel are worthy of a state award. The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2026 CMEA State Awards is now closed. The candidate will then receive notice of this nomination.
Informations about nominations for the 2027 Awards will be added to this page soon.
On the award nomination notice, the candidate will be asked to submit biographical and philosophical information, as well as photos, that need to be submitted to cmea@calmusiced.com by the deadline for the candidate to be considered for that award by the CMEA Executive Board.
In the case of a non-music educator nominee, e.g., an administrator, a legislator, an industry representative, the nominator will be asked to provide the biographical information and photo. An additional form will be emailed to the nominator to complete for all non-music educator nominees.
The CMEA State Award Winners will be recognized at CASMEC 2027 in Sacramento.
2026 Awards Gala
CMEA HALL OF FAME AWARD
Honoring Lifetime Achievement In Music Education
CMEA AUBREY PENMAN RETIRED MUSIC EDUCATOR AWARD
Honoring Continued Influence In Developing Teachers
CMEA BYRON HOYT/DON SCHMEER BAND EDUCATOR AWARD
Honoring Excellence in Instrumental Education And Performance
CMEA ELEMENTARY MUSIC SPECIALIST AWARD
Honoring Excellence In Elementary Instrumental and Choral Music Instruction.
CMEA ERNEST R. YEE ILLUMINATING CULTURE AWARD
Honoring Excellence in Connecting Student Talent While Honoring Culture and Ethnic Heritage – This award seeks to identify Music Education that deliberately and passionately incorporates the cultural fabric that students represent in their pursuit of educational excellence. It seeks to recognize professionals and programs that integrate the personal and historical cultural perspectives of their students and community through music. It further seeks to recognize programs that use methods that connect student talent while honoring culture and ethnic heritage.
CMEA INNOVATIONS AWARD
Honoring Excellence in Music Education Innovations – Innovations: Music educator who identifies, promotes, and expands innovative pathways and practices/processes in music, ensuring all students receive a high-quality music education.
CMEA JOHN SWAIN COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY EDUCATOR AWARD
Honoring Excellence in Music Education At The College/University Level
CMEA JUDY PINE – WEST MUSIC AWARD – New Award for 2024
Celebrating an emerging (1st-5th year) elementary music educator who embraces the concepts of hands-on music-making and who is committed to creating new classroom music experiences.
CMEA MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC SPECIALIST AWARD
Honoring Excellence In Middle School Instrumental and Choral Music Instruction.
CMEA PAUL A. SHAGHOIAN JAZZ EDUCATOR AWARD
Honoring Excellence In Jazz Education And Performance
CMEA PEARSON/SCOTT FORESMAN/SILVER BURDETT CHORAL EDUCATOR AWARD
Honoring Excellence In Choral Education And Performance
CMEA PERIPOLE GENERAL MUSIC EDUCATOR AWARD
Honoring Excellence In General Classroom Music Education
CMEA RICHARD L. LEVIN ORCHESTRA EDUCATOR AWARD
Honoring Excellence In Orchestra Education and Performance
CMEA/MAYNARD MORELAND CLASSROOM TEACHER AWARD
Honoring Musical Excellence In Elementary Classroom Education. Honoring an Elementary Classroom Teacher Who Uses Music As An Integral Part of the Curriculum.
CMEA MUSIC INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AWARD
Honoring An Organization/Individual For Outstanding Leadership In Music Education
CMEA OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATOR AWARD
Honoring A Music Supervisor or Non-Music Educator Who, As A School Administrator, Has Contributed Powerfully To The Support Of Music Education
CMEA LEGISLATIVE MUSIC LEADERSHIP AWARD
Honoring an elected representative at the state or national level who has been a positive force in leadership for music education.
CMEA COLLEGIATE NAfME CHAPTER AWARD
Honoring Excellence in Chapter Participation, Commitment, Creativity, Impact, Organization, Uniqueness, and Visibility