Texas Tech’s Andrew Stetson was selected from hundreds of educators across the country to be included in Yamaha’s 40 Under 40 Music Educators List.

Director of Texas Tech University’s School of Music, Andrew J. Stetson, has been named to Yamaha’s Fifth Annual 40 Under 40 Music Educators List. The individuals chosen each year exhibit action, courage, creativity and a commitment to growth while exceeding expectations in their music programs. 

“Andrew Stetson is a rising star in music education and embodies the traits for the perfect candidate for Yamaha’s 40 Under 40 distinction,” said Martin Camacho, dean of the J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts. “His impact has been felt as an individual educator in trumpet where he has had a long and prominent role as an applied teacher who has mentored a generation of students to become winners of the National Trumpet Competition. 

“As director of the School of Music, he has positioned the school as one of the most influential music education programs in the country.” 

Yamaha selects educators who uplift their communities by consistently demonstrating their passion and charisma for music. The specific criteria for selection is: 

• Proposing and implementing new or bold ideas;
• Offering innovation and imagination in achieving plans and objectives;
• Establishing and growing or improving music education in their schools and communities.

These criteria have taken shape in various ways throughout Stetson’s career. He has pioneered the Music Humanities program at Texas Tech to engage students from diverse academic backgrounds and to highlight the importance of music as an essential tool for fostering critical thinking and creativity. 

Stetson has grown enrollment at the School of Music during his tenure as director and has transformed its reputation with forward-looking vision and trust. He’s also put an emphasis on community outreach through various programs that connect Texas Tech students with K-12 students in Lubbock and the surrounding counties. 

“Awards like this highlight individuals, but it would be impossible to measure the number of people who have invested in our program and in me personally,” said Stetson. “I am lucky to be supported by hundreds of people who helped build a thriving teaching studio, and the thousands of students, staff and faculty working day and night to build a lasting legacy of excellence in music education at Texas Tech. Serving them is the honor of a lifetime.”

Yamaha’s Marketing Manager of Education Heather Mansell emphasized the creativity and persistence shown by music educators who continue to strengthen arts education nationwide. 

“Yamaha is deeply committed to ensuring access to high-quality, comprehensive music education for all students, and we are proud to support and champion the efforts of these 40 exceptional educators – as well as the thousands of others across the country who share their dedication and vision.” 

For more information on the award and to see the list of all 40 educators, follow this link.