The Distinguished Contributions to Music Education Award recognizes individuals who, over a significant number of years, have been exceptionally productive scholars in music education. This important award is given every other year, on even years, and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of Music Education researchers. Awards will only be given when the nominations received are of high quality and meet the stated criteria. An AERA plaque will be presented to the winner of this award at the Music Education SIG business meeting and will be invited to speak at the business meeting, as the keynote speaker or in addition to the keynote speaker.

2025 Recipient
Juliet Hess, Michigan State University

Criteria

• Evidence of significant contribution to the field of research in the profession.
• Existence of a body of work spanning 10 years or more.
• Evidence of service to the research community (editorial boards, reviewer, discussant, conference organizer, contributions to the growth of new researchers, such as mentoring, teaching, co-author/ co-presenter with students and/or new faculty members (0–6 years as a teacher educator).
• Ability to communicate in effective ways with those who would benefit from the research findings (evidence of non-research seminars, essays, panels, invited presentations).

Application Process
An invitation to nominate individuals for the Distinguished Contributions to Music Education Award will be sent to all current Music Education SIG members in November of every odd year. Only current members of the Music Education SIG may nominate candidates. Portfolios will consist of two letters of nomination written by current SIG members detailing the contributions of the nominee and the nominee’s curriculum vitae. Materials will be forwarded to the Awards Committee Chairperson by January 5^th of every even year. Committee members will evaluate each candidate on the criteria stated above (research, presentations, and service).