We’re searching for a music educator who ignites a love of music in their students to receive our first ever ✨Spark Award✨ presented by MakeMusic and Alfred Music. 

Congratulations to our 2025 Spark Award Winner: Amanda Cornet! 

Amanda Cornet stands out as a true champion of music education. She’s not just an orchestra teacher; she’s a passionate mentor who consistently goes the extra mile to share the pure joy of music with her students. Amanda’s dedication shines through in everything she does, from her Strolling Strings class to her exciting plans for a new sound garden. She’s all about helping kids discover their musical spark and share it with the world, creating a lasting love for music that reaches far beyond the classroom.

We received hundreds of inspiring nominations and thousands of votes—it’s been an honor to celebrate music educators alongside each of you! 

We asked voters to keep in mind the candidates Educational Impact, Demonstrated Student Growth, and their Contribution to the Music Education Community. 

The 2025 Spark Finalists (in alphabetical order by last name) 

Wayne David Barkley from Loris, South Carolina

Nomination submissions for Wayne David Barkley express how influential he is in the lives of his students, with many former students becoming educators themselves. He is noted to be an advocate for the Arts and wants every child to have the opportunity to learn music. He is said to be patient, nurturing, encouraging, and students reportedly love his classes. He spends many hours outside of the school day to plan, provide extra help, and even write grants all for his students. 

Amanda Cornet from Fishers, Indiana

Nomination submissions for Amanda Cornet praised her for being a teacher who goes above and beyond, is impactful and effective, and who shares the joys of music with her students while helping them learn to share that joy with others. She was cited as being passionate, dedicated, and committed to student success in and outside of the classroom. Her Strolling Strings class came up several times as a positive outlet for students and those who get to enjoy their performances.

Richard Dunham from Rochester, New York

Nomination submissions for Richard Dunham state that he is an inspiration to his colleagues, demonstrating outstanding leadership and going above and beyond for his community. He is a teacher who assumes extra duties in the school building, and offers extended student support when needed. He is an active mentor to younger teachers and inspires his students to become musicians, but also to show up everyday as themselves. 

Charles Miller from Columbiana, Ohio 

Nomination submissions for Charles Miller praise him as an amazing educator who is truly invested in the betterment of all of his students. He is inspirational to colleagues, runs an active marching band program outside of the school year, and stepped in to fill a need for the school Drama Department by leading productions for the past 3 years. He is noted to be an “undeniable beacon of enthusiasm and commitment.” 

Mark White from Marlton, New Jersey 

Nomination submissions for Mark White celebrate him as dedicated and enthusiastic, saying “his love for music and teaching is truly contagious.” Several stories about Mark’s positive impact on students came in stating that he is inspiring, develops a love of music in his students, and supports students to build their self-confidence. He teaches at two campuses and is noted for being patient, making a difference, instilling passion, and spreading the joy of music. 

 

Nomination Qualifications

Any music teacher actively teaching (public, private, or charter schools, or private lessons) with at least 2 years of teaching experience. Evidence of contribution to student growth, music education, innovation, and/or community involvement. 

Prizes

The teacher you nominate could win: 

• 1 MakeMusic Cloud Teacher Subscription (1 year)
• 25 MakeMusic Cloud Student Subscriptions (1 year)
• $200 credit to use at Alfred.com 

Timeline 

Nominations open April 8, 2025 – May 9, 2025 

Finalists chosen by MakeMusic panel and announced May 14, 2025 

Final voting open May 14, 2025 – May 20, 2025 (come back here to vote!) 

We’ll celebrate the final winner on or around May 23, 2025 

Official Rules 

View a copy of the official rules here.