UMass Dartmouth music graduate Cameron R. Siegal '12 is among 25 educators nationwide recognized for their impact on music education
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UMass Dartmouth College of Visual and Performing Arts alumnus Cameron R. Siegal, PhD, has been named a semifinalist for the 2027 Music Educator Award, presented by the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum.
Siegal '12, who studied music at UMass Dartmouth, is one of just 25 semifinalists nationwide selected from more than 2,000 initial nominations. Six Massachusetts educators made the list, the most from any state.
"I consider this recognition a celebration of the positive music education culture that I've been working to build in my schools and within my professional and personal life," said Siegal. "At its best, music education is transformative for all involved, and my goal is to provide a strong music education that prepares students to live a life enriched by music. I'm happy that music education and the incredible impact that it has on the lives of young people is being highlighted by this award process."
"Cameron's recognition reflects the lasting impact a dedicated music educator can have on students and a community," said Ronald Sherwin, chair of UMass Dartmouth's Department of Music. "We want our students to develop as musicians and discover how they can use their talents to create opportunities for others. It's wonderful to see an alumnus doing that work and earning national recognition."
A Dartmouth native, Siegal teaches students from preschool through fifth grade in the Dartmouth Public Schools and serves as an adjunct faculty member in Rhode Island College's graduate music education program.
"UMass Dartmouth was a perfect fit for me; exposure to diverse musical traditions, world-class teaching artists, and an emphasis on music theory and history complemented my background in performance," Siegal said. "For example, my experience in UMass Dartmouth's West African Drumming and Dance Ensemble expanded my perspectives by acting as a foil to the aesthetics, norms, and forms of Western musical traditions."
As a UMass Dartmouth student, Siegal traveled to Ghana with Professor Royal Hartigan to study Adowa funeral drumming. University financial and logistical support made the trip possible, providing an experience that helped broaden his perspective as a musician and educator.
"I strongly encourage music and music education students to give UMass Dartmouth's College of Visual & Performing Arts ample consideration," he continued. "It deserves a serious look for students who want to develop strong musicianship, academic skills, and effectively contribute within the broad landscape of contemporary music and music education."
The award recognizes educators who make significant contributions to music education and demonstrate a commitment to keeping music in schools. The recipient receives a cash honorarium and a matching grant for their school. If selected, Siegal plans to use the funding to develop musical infrastructure for the Adaptive Music program at Dartmouth's James M. Quinn Elementary School.
"Specifically, I would like to purchase some electric pianos, stands, and headphones so students can access piano at the PreK–5 level," he said. "I have noticed that quite a few students have a natural affinity to the piano, so providing access to piano may promote engagement in music for these students."
Ten finalists for the Music Educator Award will be announced in November, and the recipient will be honored during Grammy week. The 2027 Grammy Awards will air live Sunday, Feb. 7, on ABC and stream on Disney+ and Hulu.