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:

2007 - David McArthur (Fort Collins, Colorado)