#United States #Yamaha #40 Under 40 #Buena Park #Music Educators

Yamaha Honors Innovative Music Educators in 2025

Yamaha Corporation, a leader in the music and sound industry, has recently announced the latest edition of its prestigious 40 Under 40 list, which has become an annual tradition since its inception five years ago. This year, Yamaha proudly recognizes 40 remarkable music educators, all under the age of 40, who have demonstrated exceptional qualities such as creativity, courage, and a strong commitment to the growth of their music programs.

A Celebration of Excellence

The selection of honorees stems from a significant number of nominations received from students, parents, and fellow educators, as well as local instrument dealers and mentors. These submissions highlighted the substantial and positive impacts these educators have made in their communities and classrooms. With a diverse array of nominees from across the country, Yamaha’s 40 Under 40 list showcases the passion and dedication these music educators bring to their work.

Honorees of 2025

This year's list includes talented individuals such as:

• - Jacob Abbot, Dresden High School, Dresden, TN
• - Evan Aguilar, Cibola High School, Albuquerque, NM
• - Erin Barra, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
• - Michael Blanco, Las Vegas High School, Las Vegas, NV
• - Dr. Gene Butler, Smiths Station High School, Smith Station, AL

Among many others representing schools from every corner of the United States.

Yamaha encourages visits to their official page, where detailed profiles of each educator are available, to further appreciate the invaluable contributions they are making in music education.

Criteria for Selection

The honorees were selected based on specific criteria that reflect their innovative contributions to education in the field of music. These criteria include:

• - Proposing and implementing exciting and bold new ideas.
• - Encouraging and inspiring innovation to realize educational goals.
• - Establishing and enhancing music education within their schools and local communities.

A Commitment to Music Education

Heather Mansell, marketing manager of education at Yamaha, commented on the state of arts education in the current landscape: "Despite the challenges that educators face, these music teachers are leading some of the most innovative, creative, and impactful programs to strengthen and advance arts education nationwide."

She further emphasized Yamaha’s unwavering commitment to ensuring high-quality, comprehensive music education access for all students, stating, "We are proud to support and champion the efforts of these 40 exceptional educators—as well as the thousands of others across the country who share their dedication and vision."

Conclusion

Yamaha’s 40 Under 40 list continues to shine a light on the importance of music education and the educators who make a difference in their students' lives. By fostering creativity, courage, talent, and community, these music educators exemplify the values important to Yamaha’s mission. To learn more about this year's honorees, visit the official Yamaha page dedicated to this initiative.

About Yamaha

Yamaha Corporation of America, the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, is globally recognized for its dedication to helping everyone progress, express, and connect through music. Their innovative and finely crafted products cater to all musical journeys, including pianos, brass instruments, woodwinds, strings, electronic keyboards, guitars, and professional sound equipment.