Give A Note Foundation Names 2025 Music Education Innovator Award Winners

Educators from New York, Georgia, and Oregon recognized for groundbreaking programs reaching more than 500 students; each receives a $4,000 grant to expand impact

Carmel, IN — Give A Note Foundation announces the 2025 Music Education Innovator Award (MEIA) recipients, honoring three educators whose groundbreaking programs are transforming public school music. This year’s winners—Melissa Salguero (The Bronx, NY), Jason Rodgers (Woodburn, OR), and Garrick Wilson (Smyrna, GA)—collectively reach more than 500 students each year through programs that blend creativity, technology and community connection.

Since 2018, the MEIA has grown into a national platform that highlights outstanding educators, recognizes 32 leaders across 21 states, and invests $128,000 into classrooms where music education is alive, inclusive, and future-focused. Each honoree receives a $4,000 grant to expand their program, along with national recognition and opportunities to share their work with peers across the country.

“These honorees show how music education changes the trajectory of young people’s lives,” said Dendy Jarrett, CEO of Give A Note Foundation. “Melissa, Jason, and Garrick lead programs that help students gain confidence, resilience, and career pathways that last a lifetime.”

MEIA by the Numbers (2018–2025)

• 32 educators honored

• 21 states represented

• $128,000 invested in innovative music education programs

• Thousands of students inspired annually — with this year’s honorees reaching more than 500 students right now

2025 Honorees

Melissa Salguero – Bronx Math Preparatory School, The Bronx, NY (190 students annually)Melissa Salguero’s middle school classroom in the South Bronx is alive with curiosity, collaboration and resilience. A GRAMMY Music Educator Award winner known for her innovative teaching, Melissa uses music to teach life itself. Her students learn to play instruments, persevere through challenges and believe in their own voices. She teaches with kindness and patience so her students leave knowing the skills they’ve built will serve them far beyond the notes.

“I’m deeply honored and excited for this award because it means that my students will have the resources they need to explore their creativity, take bold risks, and discover the power of their own voice,” said Salguero. “This award affirms my belief that music is one of the most powerful teachers of life—it teaches us that nothing is impossible! With this support, we can turn more ideas into realities, helping every student know their voice matters and their dreams are within reach.”

Jason Rodgers – Woodburn High School, Woodburn, OR (171 students annually)In the close-knit, culturally rich community of Woodburn, Oregon, Jason Rodgers has built a professional-grade Digital Audio Production Career and Technical Education program. Students record podcasts, produce original tracks and master industry-standard gear, gaining skills that open doors in broadcasting, marketing, technology and music. The program empowers students to imagine possibilities far beyond their immediate surroundings and shows them their voices can resonate on a global stage. Parents and local leaders see how this creative outlet keeps students engaged in school and invested in their futures.

“I’m honored to be recognized with this award, but the real innovators are my students, who constantly surprise me with their creativity and production skills,” said Rodgers. “My hope is that this recognition will shine a spotlight on our growing program, give students even greater pride in their work and inspire others to join in. Innovation matters because in a world that never stands still, we can honor tradition while embracing the technology and practices that will shape the future.”

Garrick Wilson – Campbell High School, Smyrna, GA (150 students annually)At Campbell High School in Smyrna, Georgia, Garrick Wilson leads the first official high school music technology pathway in the entire Cobb County School District. Students collaborate over beats, run sound checks, and critique each other’s mixes like seasoned producers. Wilson is an industry professional with Billboard credits, an audio engineer, producer and studio owner, and he brings that expertise directly into the classroom. His students were so inspired they launched an after-school club, Spartunes Digital, to dive deeper into all aspects of the music industry. Beyond music, they are building teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills that open doors well beyond the studio. In a school as diverse as Campbell, the program creates bridges between cultures, interests, and futures.

“This award means so much to me because music has shaped my life in every way—opening the door for me to go to college, guiding me through challenges, and ultimately bringing me back to the classroom to share those same opportunities with my students,” said Wilson. “Receiving the MEIA is a reminder of the responsibility I carry to keep creating spaces where young people can discover their voices and passions through music. For my students and our program, this recognition will not only validate the hard work they put in every day, but also inspire them to see that what we are building together has value beyond our walls. I believe innovation in music education matters because it ensures that music stays alive and relevant, reaching students in new and meaningful ways, and giving the next generation the tools to carry it even further than we could imagine.”

Applications Open for 2026 MEIA

Give A Note Foundation has also announced that applications for the 2026 Music Education Innovator Award opened September 12, 2025, with a submission deadline of October 25, 2025. The award is open to all K–12 public school music educators in the U.S. who are building creative, inclusive, and sustainable programs. Winners will be announced early March 2026. More information available at https://www.giveanote.org/music-educator-innovator-award.