/ News Posts / Sixteen of the Yamaha “40 Under 40” Class of 2026 Are NAfME Members
Since 2021, NAfME Corporate member Yamaha has honored 40 outstanding music educators under 40. “These remarkable teachers,” Yamaha notes, “share the joy and power of music-making with their students who range from transitional kindergarteners to college undergrads.”
Yamaha notes:
These 40 educators showcase the following characteristics: action (anticipate what needs to be done and proactively take the necessary steps that lead to a stronger music program), courage (propose and implement new or bold ideas), creativity (show innovation and imagination in achieving plans and objectives) and growth (establish, grow or improve music education in their schools and communities).
Yamaha received nominations from students, parents, teachers, administrators, local instrument dealers and mentors from across the country. Meet this year’s 40 outstanding music educators who are making a difference!
Among the “40 Under 40” were these members* of the National Association for Music Education:
| Zachary Arenz | Flower City School No. 54 | Rochester, NY |
| Joshua Emanuel | A. MacArthur Barr Middle School | Nanuet, NY |
| Matthew Gramata | West Milford Township High School | West Milford, NJ |
| Heather Hurley | Princeton Community Middle School | Cincinnati, OH |
| Kasey Julian | Orchard Hills Elementary School | Novi, MI |
| Aron Kontorovich | James Madison High School | Brooklyn, NY |
| Tiphanie L. McClenton | Bryant Elementary School | Mableton, GA |
| Amrutha Murthy | Park Vista Community High School | Lake Worth, FL |
| Dr. Sonya Schumann | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA |
| Dr. Andrew J. Smouse | Valley High School | Las Vegas, NV |
| Eric Stashek | Lincoln Jr./Sr. High School | Lake City, MN |
| Shannon Stem | Beacon Arts Collective | Panama City, FL |
| Erik Stone | Gordon Parks Academy, STEM Leaders in Applied and Media Arts | Wichita, KS |
| Enrique Tellez | Butler Middle School | Cottonwood Heights, UT |
| Daniel Upton, Jr. | Bridgewater College | Harrisonburg, VA |
| Keith Ziolkowski | Creekside Middle School | Carmel, IN |
* This number reflects those whose memberships were current at the time of this announcement and is subject to change.
Published Date
March 17, 2026
Category
- Membership
Copyright
March 17, 2026. © National Association for Music Education (NAfME.org)




