Nominations for the 2026 Instrumental Music Teacher of the Year are now open.
Deadline date Sunday October 25, 2026.
Do you know a marvelous music teacher in Palm Beach County who deserves some extra recognition? Students, parents, colleagues and members of the community are invited to nominate local instrumental music teachers for the title of Palm Beach Symphony Instrumental Music Teacher of the Year.
Teachers can be nominated for such things as their outstanding instructional technique, ability to nurture talent, and ability to connect with and inspire their students.
Congratulations to Christopher M. De León, our 2025 Instrumental Music Teacher of the Year (pictured above)!
Eligibility
To be nominated, a teacher must:
Teach instrumental music in a K-12 public, private, or charter school in Palm Beach County. This includes private lesson instructors, chamber music coaches, and ensemble directors of band (of any kind), string or full orchestra, and other instruments such as piano and guitar
Have at least 3 years of experience as a band or orchestra instructor
Have a strong track record as a music educator and leader
Be actively involved in the performing arts community
Show a clear ability to inspire students and build their love of music
Meet high standards of professional and ethical conduct
How to Nominate
Nominations open August 4, 2026. Everything below is due by October 25, 2026.
1. Complete the online nomination form (link below)
2. Email the following to bseliger@palmbeachsymphony.org:
Nominee's resume or CV
A professional biography and headshot
Letters of support (optional but encouraged) — from colleagues, industry peers, or former students. Letters must be written and submitted by the person writing them, not the nominee.
[Optional] A short video (5–10 minutes total) of the nominee teaching or working with students in rehearsal or performance. Share via a private or password-protected link (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) — please don't make it public. Include the password if there is one.
All eligible submissions are reviewed by a panel of musicians, industry professionals, and educators from Palm Beach County.
What the Winner Receives
An official Instrumental Music Teacher of the Year plaque or framed certificate
Coaching sessions or masterclasses at their school with Palm Beach Symphony musicians (a $2,000 value)
A classroom visit and conducting coaching session with Music Director Gerard Schwarz
A performance opportunity for one of their student ensembles at a Palm Beach Symphony event
Complimentary tickets for the winner and students to a spring Masterworks concert (date/time TBD)
A “Basket of Indulgences” — personal gifts and local gift certificates
Official recognition at a Palm Beach Symphony event
A press release with photo shared with local media
Key Dates
August 4, 2026: Nominations open
October 25, 2026: All materials due (form + emailed documents).
December 1, 2026: Nominators notified of results
December 7, 2026: Winner honored at the Holly Jolly Symphony Fête, Kravis Center
Congratulations to our Instrumental Music Teacher of the Year winners:
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