Across the country, music educators are helping students build confidence, creativity, and connection through the power of music. At Save The Music Foundation, we know that behind every thriving music program is a passionate teacher creating meaningful opportunities for young people every day.
From elementary general music classrooms to high school ensembles and digital music labs, music educators play a critical role in helping students discover their voices, express themselves creatively, and connect with their communities.
This teacher spotlight celebrates two inspiring music educators who are shaping their school communities through innovative teaching, student-centered learning, and a deep belief in the value of music education. Their stories also highlight the importance of professional development, mentorship, and ongoing support systems that help teachers continue growing in their craft.
The Role of Music Teachers in Public Schools
Music teachers do far more than teach notes and rhythms. They help students develop confidence, collaboration skills, discipline, and self-expression while creating spaces where young people feel seen and supported.
In public schools, music classrooms often become hubs for creativity and community. Students learn how to work together toward a shared goal, take creative risks, and celebrate one another’s growth. These experiences can have a lasting impact on academic success, social-emotional learning, and overall student engagement.
As a leading music foundation focused on expanding access to music education, Save The Music works closely with educators who bring these opportunities to life every day. Through grants, instruments, professional development, and advocacy efforts, we support teachers as they build sustainable music programs that serve students for years to come.
Teachers are central to our mission because access to music education is only possible when educators have the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive in their classrooms.
Meet Our Featured Music Educators
Educator Spotlight: Frances Azze
Quick Facts
- Location: Garden Grove, California
- Years Teaching: 3 years
- Subjects: TK–6 General Music, 5th–6th Grade Choir
- Additional Leadership: Manager of the Garden Grove Unified School District Elementary Honor Choir
- Education: B.A. in Music Education, Biola University (2022); M.M. in Music Education, Boston University (2026)
For Frances Azze, music education is about helping students discover how deeply connected they are to one another and the world around them.
“I think the purpose of education is to create critical thinkers that are ready to impact the world around them,” she shared. “Music provides such a unique area that allows students to connect with themselves, their culture, and community.”
Teaching elementary students across multiple grade levels, Frances creates hands-on experiences that encourage students to actively make music from the moment they walk into the classroom. Through percussion instruments, melodic instruments, singing, and collaborative music-making, students build foundational skills while developing confidence and joy through creativity.
Save The Music’s support has helped expand those opportunities in meaningful ways.
“Save The Music has allowed me to explore so many different areas of music for my students,” Frances explained. “Rather than learning about music in a hypothetical sense, we are making music right away. Students can have their hands on an instrument as soon as they walk into the room.”
Professional development has also played an important role in shaping her teaching practice. As a newer educator, Frances says learning from experienced teachers and hearing different instructional approaches has transformed the way she thinks about her classroom.
“Professional learning opportunities have completely changed how I approach my classroom,” she said. “We are a mosaic of all of the people we have met, so my students now get to benefit from all of the best things I have gotten from every other educator.”
Her story reflects the power of investing in music teachers early in their careers and creating pathways for continued growth, collaboration, and inspiration.
Educator Spotlight: David Blackinton
Quick Facts
- Location: Anaheim, California
- Years Teaching: 1.5 years full-time
- Subjects: Digital Music, Marching Band, Concert Bands, String Orchestra
- School District: Anaheim Union High School District
- Education: B.M. & Teaching Credential, CSU Long Beach Bob Cole Conservatory of Music (2024); pursuing M.M. in Instrumental Conducting
For David Blackinton, music education began with a mentor who changed the trajectory of his life.
“In high school, I had an amazing mentor who took me under her wing, giving me more opportunities to play and discover the joys of music,” he shared. “She helped me realize the value music had in my life.”
Inspired by that experience, David pursued music education with the goal of creating the same kind of positive impact for his own students. Today, he teaches a wide range of music subjects across both high school and junior high school programs, from digital music production to concert ensembles and marching band.
As an early-career educator, David says professional development opportunities have been essential in helping him stay creative and energized in the classroom.
“Professional development provides new insight for teachers,” he explained. “It can be easy to fall into patterns of doing the same thing day after day, which can create a stagnant and disengaged classroom.”
After receiving support from Save The Music to attend the California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC), David returned with new strategies and ideas that immediately benefited his students across multiple music disciplines.
“I remember walking away with so many new ideas to bring back to the classroom and help my students across all music subjects,” he said.
David also emphasized how investing in teachers directly impacts student success.
“When I feel supported by my admin, colleagues, and profession, I feel like I can soar in the classroom,” he shared. “By giving teachers the resources and support needed, there is less worry to try and just squeeze by and instead reach for higher success.”
His story demonstrates how mentorship, professional development, and strong support systems help educators create engaging and innovative learning environments for students.
Supporting Teachers Through Professional Development
Professional development gives music educators the opportunity to strengthen their teaching practice, collaborate with peers, and explore new approaches to student engagement.
At Save The Music, we support teachers through workshops, conferences, classroom resources, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative learning experiences connected to our grant programs. These opportunities are designed to help educators feel empowered, inspired, and connected to a larger community of music teachers nationwide.
Professional development opportunities may include:
- Hands-on workshops focused on classroom instruction and student engagement
- Music technology training and resources
- Conference scholarships and educator networking opportunities
- Ongoing peer collaboration and mentorship
- Resources connected to broader music advocacy efforts
By investing in teachers, we help create stronger music programs and more meaningful experiences for students.
Why Music Educators Matter
Strong music programs begin with strong educators.
Music teachers help students discover confidence, build community, and develop lifelong skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Research continues to show that music education supports academic achievement, attendance, and social-emotional development while creating opportunities for self-expression and belonging.
Music education plays an important role in supporting student well-being and connection. Through collaboration, creativity, and emotional expression, music classrooms can become powerful spaces for social-emotional growth. Learn more about the role of SEL in music education and how music supports student development both inside and outside the classroom.
Save The Music has supported thousands of schools nationwide over the last 25+ years, helping expand access to music education for students and communities across the country. Through grants, advocacy, and teacher support, we work to ensure more students have access to high-quality music instruction led by passionate educators.
When we invest in music educators, we invest in students, schools, and communities.
Nominate a Music Teacher
Know a music educator making a difference in your community?
We’d love to hear their story. Save The Music welcomes nominations for future teacher spotlight features celebrating educators who are creating meaningful opportunities for students through music education.
To nominate a music teacher, please reach out through our Contact Us page and share a little about their impact, school community, and music program.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a music educator looking for resources or a supporter passionate about expanding access to music education, you can help us continue supporting teachers and students nationwide.
Together, we can help ensure more students have access to music education and the inspiring educators who make it possible.