Last year, Yamaha launched the “40 Under 40” music education advocacy program to celebrate and recognize outstanding music educators who are making a difference by growing and strengthening their music programs. Now, we celebrate the 2022 group of remarkable educators who triumphed before and during the pandemic to keep their programs thriving.
These 40 educators — all under the age of 40 — showcase the following characteristics: action (anticipate what needs to be done and proactively take the necessary steps that lead to a stronger music program), courage (propose and implement new or bold ideas), creativity (show innovation and imagination in achieving plans and objectives) and growth (establish, grow or improve music education in their schools and communities).
We received hundreds of nominations from students, parents, other teachers and administrators, local instrument dealers and mentors. The selected “40 Under 40” educators below have gone above and beyond to elevate music and music-making in their students’ lives — like Terry Nguyen, who shares traditional Japanese and Asian cultural and traditional arts, especially taiko drumming; Jennifer Stadler, who incorporates fun games and technology into her lessons at her private piano studio; Amanda Schoolland, whose music program honors the culture and traditions of the Tsimshian people who live in the small Alaska town of Metlakatla where she teaches; Alexander Wilga, who coordinated a proposal that secured guaranteed funding for music programs across his district; and Kenneth Perkins, who started a faculty and staff choir at his elementary school.
All the “40 Under 40” educators have remarkable stories behind their teaching philosophies and methods, and you’ll be inspired by all of them.
Join us in applauding the 2022 class of “40 Under 40” educators.
Meet the 2025 “40 Under 40” Educators
Meet the 2024 “40 Under 40” Educators
Meet the 2023 “40 Under 40” Educators
Meet the 2021 “40 Under 40” Educators
