Not everyone can say that they studied music with a Grammy nominee. But the students at Marblehead Community Charter Public School can, now that their teacher Adria Smith has been named a finalist for the Grammys 2025 Music Educator Award.
“We were so excited to learn this news,” said MCCPS Head of School Stephanie Brant. “We are so proud of Adria… she is truly the best.”
The award is given to educators — from kindergarten through college in public and private schools — who have “made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who advocate for the ongoing inclusion of music education in schools,” according to the Recording Academy.
Smith started Charter’s music program nearly 23 years ago and has been there ever since.
“When I came here, there were no instruments,” Smith told the Current. “I built up all these programs, got grants for all these instruments. This is the only school I know where kids can take more than 10 music classes a week for no extra charge. That’s very special about this school.”
Smith is one of 215 quarterfinalists. She now has to submit at least three videos of her teaching, along with student testimonials. She also has to answer questions about what techniques she would share with other music educators and why.
Semifinalists will be announced later this year. The ultimate winner will be flown to Los Angeles for the 67th Grammy Awards. Nine other finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and the schools for all 10 finalists will receive matching grants.
All students at Charter, which serves grades 4-8, take music at least twice a week. They have the opportunity to take another eight music classes each week, Smith said.
“There are so many extra music classes… chorus, honor band, jazz band. I love teaching these ensembles. They’re kind of like my baby. I’ve built them from the ground up, and they’re what the kids enjoy,” she added.
Asked how she will celebrate if she wins the Grammy, Smith answered with a laugh, “With the kids, of course! They get really excited, especially knowing they’re a part of it.”
For now, Smith is happy to come to work every day and teach music. She also composes jazz pieces and plays jazz piano professionally.
“I have a gig today, actually,” she said.
