Meet the first of our 2026 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year nominees — Zeda Ali from Sunny View Middle School in Brampton, ON. Recognize her name? This is Zeda’s second nomination!

The MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Anthem Entertainment, recognizes and honours exceptional Canadian music teachers annually.

Tune in to The 2026 JUNO Awards on Sunday, March 29 where the winner will be announced, and on our website & social media platforms @MusiCounts.

What is the music program like at your school? And how did MusiCounts make an impact on those programs?

The music program at Sunny View Middle School was based on bucket drumming and some guitar. There was not a lot of cultural relevancy or representation of our diverse community. The MusiCounts grant turned a little music program into a board-wide initiative. Not only has the steel pan program grown with over 100 students involved, but our bands are also sought after for performances. Music educators are reaching out to start their own pan programs. Our music room is alive and thriving thanks to the grant, and the culturally-responsive instruments that call to my kids. They enjoy the community and family-like atmosphere we have created, all thanks to MusiCounts.

What does it mean to you to be nominated for the 2026 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award?

Well, I got a music position in 2021 and it's been a wild ride thanks to you, MusiCounts. It means a lot to be nominated, more in terms of representing a forgotten music community. Caribbean and South Asian music are almost non-existent in music classrooms. As a Canadian-born woman with Guyanese heritage, it means a lot for me to be recognized not only as an educator, but as someone who elevates and promotes the beauty & joy of different music. I have fought to keep this music position. It was not easy and I think that this recognition shows that people who look like me can do great things, despite the hatred and stereotypes. Black and Brown students are proud of our program so this recognition is dedicated to them as well as they are such a huge reason I do what I do.

Do you have a music teacher or mentor that has inspired you?

Oh yes, Mr. Nelson Gray in grade 6 and Mrs. Delphi Boyle, in grade 7/8 music. They took me under their wing - an awkward quiet child, and allowed me to flourish in their music rooms. I recently spoke to Mr. Gray after [my] first JUNOS, and it was such an amazing experience. I thanked him profusely, as well. Mrs. Boyle allowed me to accompany the choir, and she always took her lunches with me at the piano. My piano teacher, the late Sylvia Foxcroft was also inspirational. I really loved her a lot. She was a great teacher.

What are you looking forward to doing at the 2026 JUNO Awards in Hamilton?

Meeting the other amazing nominees and celebrating their accomplishments, as well. Of course, the celebrity treatment doesn’t hurt at all, as (the MusiCounts) team treats us very well. I am thrilled to see Joni Mitchell get recognized. Getting to attend the JUNOS is also great, I loved the songwriting workshops last time. I think the best part for me is being a part of a team of music educators who share the same vision. At the last JUNOS, I really loved sharing ideas with Sarah and Elizabeth. Bob and his wife captured my heart, and Stephen was just super cool, and we shared a lot of belly laughs. Those are the connections I am looking forward to, and seeing great Canadian talent on stage, as well. I am always saying we have the best talent in the world and so seeing that get recognized makes me very excited.

*This interview was edited for clarity.