Each year, the Indiana Music Education Association recognizes individuals whose work has made a positive impact in music education in Indiana. The award recognizes educators in each of the four following areas: Elementary; Middle School/Junior High; High School; and College/University. These awards are presented to IMEA members who have exemplified outstanding achievement over multiple years of teaching and contributions to students as well as the music education profession.

Over the last four years, the award winners have all hailed from Butler University. In 2021, Dr. Matt Pivec, Director of Jazz Studies, was awarded Outstanding Indiana Music Educator in the Collegiate category. In 2022, Dr. Becky Marsh received this award as did Dr. Brian Weidner in 2023. Marsh and Weidner are both Assistant Professors of Music Education. This year, the award of Collegiate Educator of Excellence was presented to Professor of Music Dr. Penny Dimmick.

“That multiple members of the Butler University School of Music faculty have been recognized as Outstanding Music Educators comes as no surprise. These remarkable professors center our students at every turn, and their constant efforts to ensure that our Music Education majors are prepared for the challenges of today’s diverse school environments requires flexibility, compassion, and a sense of equity—the very traits that IMEA values.”

Dr. Lisa Brooks, Dean, Jordan College of the Arts

In addition to these accolades to Butler faculty, junior Performance and Music Education major Jenna Small was named a 2024 Outstanding Future Music Educator.

“Jenna will hit the ground running when she graduates not only as an effective music teacher but a music educator who will quickly be a leader in our field,” says Professor Weidner.

Honorees are recognized each year at the annual IMEA Professional Development Conference.