This $3,000 award is given by the MTNA Foundation Fund to an independent music teacher to assist in developing and enhancing a newly established music teaching studio. The award is presented to the candidate who most clearly demonstrates a strong commitment to the music teaching profession. This award is supported by the MarySue Harris Endowment Fund and is open to those individuals selected by their schools as a StAR (Student Achievement Recognition) recipient.

Previous winners include:

2008 Edward Moy (Indianapolis, Indiana)
2007 David McArthur (Fort Collins, Colorado)
2006 Norom Bou (Princeton, New Jersey)
2005 Sara Renaud (Columbia, Missouri)
2004 Joanna Grace (Madson, Wisconsin)
2003 Klondike Steadman (Georgetown, Texas)
2002 Thu Nguyen Carey (Sugarland, Texas)