Quick look: Henry Miller, a music teacher at Sierra Vista Middle School in Irvine Unified School District, has been named a 2027 CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence. The national honor recognizes educators who create inclusive learning environments and make lasting impacts through music education.
An Irvine middle school music teacher has been named a 2027 Music Teacher of Excellence by the CMA Foundation.
Henry Miller, who teaches music at Sierra Vista Middle School in Irvine Unified School District, is one of just 30 educators selected nationwide for demonstrating excellence in teaching, creating positive learning environments and making a lasting impact in their communities. He also received the honor in 2019.
“Henry goes above and beyond to support all students at Sierra Vista and strives to make the arts available for everyone,” Sierra Vista Principal Jeff Morano said Wednesday. “He works to build confidence and inspires students to challenge themselves in music education and in life. His classroom is a place where every student feels seen, valued and capable of success.”
The CMA Foundation’s Music Teachers of Excellence program follows a competitive, multi-step selection process. Educators are first nominated by peers, administrators, parents or community members before submitting detailed applications outlining their teaching philosophies, classroom impact and examples of student engagement.
A panel of music education experts, industry professionals and past honorees then evaluates candidates on instructional quality, innovation, equity in access to music education and measurable student impact.
Each honoree receives a $5,000 award, with $2,500 designated for the recipient’s classroom and $2,500 supporting ongoing professional development. Recipients also gain access to the CMA Foundation’s national network of educators and industry leaders, including invitations to CMA Fest and the CMA Awards, and will be recognized during an awards gala in Nashville, Tennessee.
Miller’s recognition also drew regional media attention, with ABC7 Los Angeles visiting Sierra Vista Middle School on Wednesday to spotlight his work and the school’s music program.
“Henry is a representative of the incredible teachers and staff in IUSD Arts Education,” said Erin Zoumaras, director of arts for Irvine Unified School District. “His dedication, creativity and belief in his students elevate not only his own school community but the entire district. This recognition from the CMA Foundation reflects the lasting impact he has on budding musicians and the broader school community.”
In addition to his CMA Foundation honors, Miller has twice been named a semifinalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award.