In less than two weeks, the winner of the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award will be revealed at the 2026 JUNO Awards in Hamilton.

We caught up with Jeannie Hunter, our 2025 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year recipient to see how things have been since her exciting win.

Tell us what you've been up to in the year since you won the 2025 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award.

“Whirlwind” is the word that comes to mind! I’m always busy, but since winning the award I have felt an even deeper sense of responsibility to hone my practice, and to advocate for access to quality music education as an essential and transformative right for children. The media attention has brought some amazing opportunities such as being invited to be a judge for the CBC Music Class Challenge, and attending some special events. Graduating students from the Carleton University journalism program made a short documentary about winning the Award.

Legendary Canadian producer, Bob Ezrin, in correspondence with my students by email and made a virtual visit to our classroom. This is full circle because Bob actually initiated the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year award twenty years ago, and he and his wife Jan are MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassadors. This past June, when Bob Ezrin became a Laureate of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, my students and I were invited to perform as part of his tribute at the National Arts Centre. Sharing the stage with the NAC Orchestra, Serena Ryder, and Crown Lands — not to mention some very talented acrobats — was absolutely amazing.

Most recently I participated in “The Promise of Music”, the first-ever world music congress on the social impacts of music education, hosted by the Glenn Gould Foundation. I had the chance to connect with educators from all over the world and dive into the fascinating links between music and neuroscience, music and student success and music and wellness.

I’ve been back and forth to Montreal to see my son, Duncan perform - as of January, he is in his last semester of Jazz performance at McGill. In July, he was awarded the Prix Oliver Jones at the Montreal Jazz Festival and performed a sold out show of his original music at the TD Studio. Oliver Jones was at the performance and talked about the joy he’s always felt making music, and that he hoped Duncan would still be playing when HE was in his 90’s — I can’t think of a better piece of advice.

The common thread that holds everything together for me continues to be music — whether I’m conducting, playing, attending live performances and festivals, advocating for music education, or participating in professional development activities that help me continue to grow as a teacher — music is my glue.

What was it like for you to attend the 2025 JUNO Awards in Vancouver and what was the experience like for you?

Honestly, it’s still so surreal that I have to look through my photos just to remind myself it actually happened! I’ve used the phrase "Rock Stars for a Weekend" in a few interviews, and that really sums it up.

Our group of nominees and our MusiCounts guides, Tara and Claire, met for the first time just before the opening night reception. When the five of us nominees had to navigate our first industry event together without our plus ones as built-in supports, we all bonded hard and fast. Unsurprisingly we immediately headed for our comfort zone — checking out what gear the D.J. was using and asking questions about her artistic process. Our group of nominees really enjoyed each other’s company. Anytime the five of us were together, we were picking each other’s brains, sharing ideas and dreaming big dreams. I feel so fortunate to have been among such unique and talented educators. Emily Dominey and I attended the same conference this fall, and I’ll be seeing Greg Chomut at this year’s JUNO Awards. We all still keep in touch.

The entire weekend of JUNO events was a massive celebration of Canadian identity and culture. Having my husband, my son and my big sister there made it extra special. Our group of nominees totally “fangirled” over NOBRO and the other performers at the Gala, which took place on the water with stunning views. Us nominees were in so many group photos that we eventually developed a routine “lineup” with me in the middle — not because I was the center of attention, but because I was the shortest! With Drew and Robert on either end, we became our own "Flying V" for the cameras.

There were so many incredible moments, like attending the JUNO Awards dress rehearsal, meeting Maestro Fresh Wes, and just clowning around for the Jumbotron in the empty arena. Meeting Michael Bublé at the dress rehearsal was also deeply inspiring. He was so kind and generous with his time, and he really reaffirmed for us that the work we do as music teachers isn’t just important — it’s essential.

We did the JUNOS | SKIP Orange Carpet and the media gamut before heading into the arena. During the opening number, there were red maple leaves projected everywhere and red and white confetti dropping from the ceiling, which I stored along with my other JUNO mementos.

Who did you get to meet during the 2025 JUNO Week and what was it like?

At the gala, I got to spend some time with Miss Emily and Kelly Lee Evans, both of whom I know from our local music scene in Kingston and Ottawa respectively. At the Awards reception, Kelly Lee introduced me to Sylvia Tyson — my parents listened to her a lot when I was growing up, and in-person she was incredibly kind and generous. Kelly Lee also introduced me to Jim Cuddy, someone I respect not just for his musicianship but for his work with MusiCounts, his advocacy and his essential Canadian-ness.

One of the funniest JUNO moments was riding the elevator with Dave Baksh from Sum 41 between the ceremony and the After Party. He actually congratulated me on the Award, and I was so stunned that I just thanked him profusely! I also met Julie Nesrallah, who was one of the hosts at the After Party in support of MusiCounts, where I was able to see so many performers up close.

Looking back, another meeting that really stands out happened on the very first night. Jewel Casselman, the 2024 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year recipient, was at the gallery reception. I had read all her interviews and watched her MusiCounts doc so I recognized her immediately. I think I blurted out something really “cool-like”, “Oh my gosh—you’re Jewel Casselman! You’re a hero! I loved your dress!” We had a good laugh and ended up attending several events together that weekend. We still keep in touch, and we’ll actually be hanging out at this year’s JUNOS.

I was stopped by so many fellow music teachers who shared stories about the work they’re doing and the challenges they’re facing. It was an essential reminder of exactly why I was there in the first place.

Why do you think it's important to recognize music educators in the way that we do with the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award?

The JUNO Awards recognize Canada’s best performers, songwriters, producers, and albums across so many genres. But the truth is, behind almost every one of those artists is someone who lit a spark, helped them believe in themselves, encouraged them to keep going, or gave them the tools to do so. And the same can be said of the people who fill the audience, play in community bands, or simply find a place to belong in school. Music teachers really are like superheroes in disguise.

I’m a bit of a luddite, so it took some time for me to see all of the social media posts specifically discussing my win. There were a lot of posts that said it was one of people’s favourite JUNO moments. By highlighting this award, MusiCounts, Anthem Entertainment and the JUNOS are sending a message that the work happening in music classrooms across Canada is vital to our cultural identity. It’s the “long game” of the music industry, whether you’re the one on the stage or in front of it.

This Award also provides a platform to show decision-makers that, far from being a frill, music education is an essential right. When you celebrate a music teacher on a national level, it

provides the visibility we need to ensure these programs remain a priority. It ensures that the next generation of Canadian talent and audiences has a place to start.

How did it feel going back to your school at Nepean High School after you won and what kind of celebrations happened?

Less than 24 hours after walking out of a jam session in Vancouver, I was back in front of my 90-piece grade nine and ten concert band in Ottawa. When I pulled up to Nepean High School at 7:10 a.m., I saw that they had actually changed the school’s marquee. Instead of the usual school motto, “Love Purple, Live Gold” it said, “Congrats on the JUNO, Jeannie!” There were so many hugs from students and lovely handmade cards! Then, we got right back to making music.

My colleagues also threw a wonderful reception for me, complete with cans of Bubly — a not-so-subtle nod to the 2025 JUNO host — a gluten-free cake, and a beautiful multi-page card made by our art teacher, Suzanne Amenta. She had drawn a portrait of me with the JUNO on the front, and the inside was filled with well-wishes from staff and students. Some of our school’s neighbours even dropped off a trumpet lamp and a Canadian flag to help me celebrate.

The media attention was pretty intense. I actually raced straight to the CBC for my first interview immediately after landing at the airport and being greeted by a group of my girlfriends with flowers and signs and noisemakers. Ottawa is a tight-knit community, so when I entered the CBC studio host Alan Neal and I hugged each other and started jumping around with excitement. The most touching part of my return was the outpouring of messages from former students and even my own music teachers from when I was a kid. In the weeks that followed, whether I was at a concert or just out in the community, I’d have fellow musicians and neighbors stop to congratulate me. Lots of people asked me for selfies. I even got a standing ovation at my dentist’s office and another from my boxing class! It became clear to me — the JUNO might have had my name on it, but it belonged to the entire community.

What was done at your school with the grant money that you won as a part of your prize?

I had the idea to expand our equipment by creating a mobile recording studio, similar to what MusiCounts uses to create their content. We want to record our own version of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, so we’re launching Nepean Public Radio’s “Even Tinier Desk Concerts”. Since the school library is slated for renovation, I’m actually considering using my office in the music room as the studio — it brings a new definition to the word tiny!

We’re currently working on training and setting our initial lineup. Our plan is to start by featuring current staff and students, then expand to highlight alumni, and eventually invite community musicians or artists traveling through Ottawa. We want to make it a "Desk-tination." We also purchased a DJ console with the funds. In essence, we’ve used the grant to expand on and diversify our existing programming and give students hands-on experience with recording and production in a very unique setting.

What did you do with your prize money?

I know people are probably hoping for a dramatic story about a destination trip or something similar! In reality, I used a portion of it to cover the extra costs of having our son, Duncan, join us at the 2025 JUNOS. I also really wanted to prioritize work-life balance, so we used some of the funds to stay on Ward’s Island, one of our favourite places. I paid for our fall boxing classes in advance — hitting the bag is a great way to de-stress after a high-energy day in the classroom!

I bought passes to the Jazz Festival and a number of concerts at the National Arts Centre, and I made sure I was in the audience for all of Duncan’s performances. I’ve set the final portion aside to return to the JUNOS this year, and I honestly can’t wait to be there!

Do you have any advice for this year's winner?

Enjoy yourself - it’s your turn to be “Rock Stars for the Weekend” and you’ve earned it! I can’t wait to see you up there. Make sure to take lots of photos and definitely bring a portable charger. Keep everything, those mementos will help you relive the magic of the experience later on.

Practically, drink loads of water, eat whenever you have the chance and catch up on your sleep before you go, because you need to be ready for anything and everything. Wear shoes you can stand in for a long time on the day of the awards. Write your speech ahead of time, practice it and carry a paper copy! I was shaking so hard from the adrenaline that Michael Bublé and his wife practically had to carry me down the stairs after the award was presented.

Most importantly, have fun, don’t be shy, and live in the moment. You’re doing incredible work, and don't forget — you are superheroes!

*This interview was edited for clarity.