IMEA Recognition AwardsAnnually, the Indiana Music Education Association recognizes individuals whose work has made a positive impact in music education in Indiana. Honorees are recognized at the IMEA Professional Development Conference. Nominations are accepted between August 1 to September 25 of each year. Individuals who wish to nominate a candidate must complete the form (use the link on this webpage) and submit it by the September 25 deadline. Please check the list of prior winners and refrain from nominating a candidate for any award that they have received in the past.
Award categories include: Indiana Music Educator of ExcellenceThe Indiana Music Educator of Excellence Awards recognize educators in each of the five following areas:
These awards will be presented to practicing teachers who have exemplified outstanding achievement in the field of music education. Factors that will be considered when selecting the award winners will include a record of excellence over multiple years of teaching and contributions to students as well as the music education profession. (Note: for the 2023 awards and beyond, the Board decided to eliminate the IMEA membership requirement for the Educator Awards). Administrator of Excellence The Administrator of Excellence Award gives recognition to an individual who has contributed and supported the advancement of music education in his/her local school corporation(s) through his/her leadership. Eligible individuals may include superintendents, principals, counselors, school board members, and any others designated as administration within the school system. Membership in IMEA is not required for this award. Hoosier Musician Award The Hoosier Musician Award is designed to give recognition to an individual who has contributed to the advancement of music education throughout the state of Indiana, and who has contributed outstanding service to local, state, and national music organizations. This award is generally considered to be IMEA's top level of recognition for a lifetime of dedication to musicianship in our state and beyond. Membership in IMEA is not required for this award.
Community Impact Award The Community Impact Award gives recognition to an individual who has contributed to music education within their community by encouraging lifelong musicianship and going above and beyond to support music education for musicians of all ages. Consider nominating retired music teachers and other community members who have continued to actively support and inspire those around them. Membership in IMEA is not required for this award.
Organization Awards (New for 2026)Excellence in Community EngagementThe Excellence in Community Engagement Award gives recognition to a school's or district/corporation's music program, ensemble, or booster organization. This distinction is intended to celebrate school-based music organizations that have been highly successful in developing and implementing community partnerships and collaborative activities to promote the visibility and advocacy of music education in their locality. 
Excellence in Innovation and Growth The Excellence in Innovation and Growth Award gives recognition to a school's or district/corporation's music program, ensemble, or booster organization that has demonstrated measurable advancements in the areas of innovation and growth. This distinction is intended to celebrate school-based music organizations that have made admirable strides in using creative and innovative methods to respond to the needs of their students, school(s), and greater community while exhibiting quantifiable growth in both size and in the musical development of its students. 
Please feel free to contact Awards Co-Chairs Amy Dedina or Laura Helms with any questions.
Past IMEA Award Winners 2025 Mary Buckalew - Elementary Music Educator of Excellence Ronald E. Ways - Jr. High/MS Music Educator of Excellence Daniel E. Borns - High School Music Educator of Excellence Dr. David Mruzek - Collegiate Music Educator of Excellence Kurt Michael Frederick - Administrator of Excellence Dr. Matthew C. Murdock - Multi-Level Music Educator of Excellence Diane Stebbe - Multi-Level Music Educator of Excellence Joyce J. Click - Community Impact Award Scott Bradford - Hoosier Musician Award
2024 Lauren Southard - Elementary Educator of Excellence Dan Andersen - Middle School Educator of Excellence Brenda Buchanan - High School Educator of Excellence Dr. Penny Dimmick - Collegiate Educator of Excellence Alicia Denniston - Administrator of Excellence Mark Finger - Hoosier Musician Award
2023 Lindsay Bollhoefer - Outstanding Elementary Educator Max J. Mault - Outstanding Middle School/Jr. High Educator Bethany Robinson - Outstanding High School Educator Dr. Brian Weidner - Outstanding Collegiate Educator Dr. Matthew Prusieki - Outstanding Administrator Dr. Jamey Aebersold - Distinguished Service Award
2022 Molly Lueken - Outstanding Elementary Educator Amanda M. Cornet - Outstanding Middle School/Jr. High Educator James R. Byrn, Jr. - Outstanding High School Educator (tie) Joshua R. Huff - Outstanding High School Educator (tie) Becky Marsh - Outstanding Collegiate Educator Robert Huesing - Outstanding Administrator Richard Sowers - Outstanding Hoosier Musician
2021 Andrew Himelick - Outstanding Elementary Educator Phil Thomas - Outstanding Middle School/Jr. High Educator Pete Sampson - Outstanding High School Educator (tie) Tim Cox - Outstanding High School Educator (tie) Matt Pivec - Outstanding Collegiate Educator Dr. Craig McCaffrey - Outstanding Administrator Dr. Joseph Scagnoli - Outstanding Hoosier Musician
For a complete list of past winners (1984-present), click below: Full Listing of Past Award Winners |
