The MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award

The MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Anthem Entertainment, was established in 2005 to recognize and honour an exceptional Canadian music teacher each year.

To date, this award has celebrated the accomplishments of 18 music educators across Canada who strive to preserve the livelihood of music education in their school and community.

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Stephen Richardson, winner of the 2024 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award.

Key Facts

  • Canadian music teachers with at least 5 years of teaching experience who have received a grant through the MusiCounts Band Aid Program on behalf of any school music program are eligible to be nominated for this award.
  • The award winner receives a $10,000 cash prize, a substantial contribution to their school’s music program, and a JUNO Award statuette.
  • Nominations are currently closed.

Nomination Deadline

December 8, 2023

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Nominees Announced

February 2024

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Winner Announced

March 2024

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Key Attributes & Evaluation Criteria

PASSION

The Teacher of the Year should demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to teaching, and should have a demonstrated history of providing meaningful musical experiences for students.

ADVOCACY

The Teacher of the Year should be a strong advocate for preserving quality music education in Canadian schools through fundraising, voicing their passion for music education on different committees and boards, etc.

EXPERIENCE

The Teacher of the Year’s teaching should reflect a prolonged dedication to music education and student impact.

INCLUSIVITY

The Teacher of the Year should ensure students of varying backgrounds and skill levels have the opportunity to learn, experience, and appreciate music.

ADAPTABILITY

The Teacher of the Year should have a proven track record of adapting and diversifying their teaching practices to keep up with changing student needs.

RECOGNITION

The Teacher of the Year should have the support, respect, and admiration of students, parents, administrators, and colleagues. They should be regarded as a leader in their community and a mentor in their field.

INSPIRATIONAL

The Teacher of the Year should make tangible and positive differences in the lives of students, with the ability to motivate, challenge, and encourage them to be more confident creators and appreciators of music.

How Does It Work?

Each Fall, MusiCounts accepts nominations for this award. Eligible teachers may be nominated by colleagues, school administrators, or anyone familiar with the nominee’s teaching.

From the initial pool of nominations received, a finalist pool of nominees is determined by an adjudication committee. All finalist nominees are asked to submit additional materials which discuss their experience and approach to teaching music.

A committee of music education leaders from across the country reviews each of the finalist nominee’s materials and makes their recommendation for who should receive the award.


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Stephen Richardson Named the 2024 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year

MusiCounts is proud to announce Stephen Richardson from École St. Joseph School in Yellowknife, NT as the winner of the prestigious 2024 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Anthem Entertainment.


Contact Us

Please reach out to Nick at applications@musicounts.ca with any questions that haven't been answered within the nomination guidelines.

Previous Recipients

Jewel Casselman

2023

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Darren Hamilton

2022

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Dr. Mary Piercey-Lewis

2021

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Carter Chiasson

2020

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Kim Hastings

2019

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Laura Lee Matthie

2018

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Dianne Winmill

2017

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Don Bosse

2016

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Steve Sainas

2015

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Jeff Kula

2014

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Mark Reid

2013

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Hugh Johnston

2012

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Marian Cheney

2011

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Scott Leonard

2010

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Alex Voros

2009

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Bernard Hebert

2008

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Ann Turner

2007

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Norman McIntosh

2006

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Materials and resources