ARIA Unveils 2020 Music Teacher Award Nominees

30 September 2020 | 6:00 am | Staff Writer

“Every musician knows how important it is to have inspiring, passionate teachers."

Musicians and other creative types will often cite teachers as inspiration when receiving accolades, and so its fitting the ARIA Awards celebrate those often unsung heroes each year.

The nominees for the fourth annual ARIA Music Teacher Award have today been announced, following news last week that the 2020 ARIA Awards would go ahead in late November as a “one-of-a-kind” event.

Vying for the honour the year is:

Sarah Donnelley - Wilcannia Central School, Wilcannia, NSW

Thomas Fienberg - Evans High School, Blacktown, NSW

Kathryn McLennan – Virginia State School, Virginia, QLD

CJ Shaw – Palmerston District Primary School, ACT

“The Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award is one of my favourite moments at the ARIA Awards,” ARIA CEO Dan Rosen said.

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“Every musician knows how important it is to have inspiring, passionate teachers. But we also know exposing children to making music helps them become the best that they can be. 

I am moved by the stories of our four nominees this year, and I look forward to awarding one teacher with an ARIA Award this November. I want to thank Telstra for continuing to join us in celebrating our music teachers.”

Voting for the 2020 Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award is now open via the ARIA website, and you can find out more details about this year’s nominees below.