Adrian L. Maclin, the acclaimed choir director at Cordova High School, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Music Educator Award, an honor presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum.
The announcement, first reported by CBS News, recognizes Maclin’s unwavering dedication to music education and the transformative impact he has had on his students.
Maclin, who has led the Cordova High School choral program for 12 years, was selected from a competitive field of educators across the country. He will be honored at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony Saturday, February 1, ahead of the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
A Choir Room That Feels Like Home
Inside Cordova High School, room F-163 is more than just a classroom—it’s a sanctuary for students, a place where music and mentorship go hand in hand.
“They know that F-163 is home,” Maclin told CBS News, reinforcing his belief that a choir should function as a family, not just an ensemble.
Maclin’s students, past and present, describe him as more than a teacher—he’s a father figure. One student recalled how Maclin personally picked him up at 5:30 a.m. every morning to ensure he could make it to school. Another student, once reluctant to be in choir, now aspires to become a music educator because of Maclin’s influence.
“The joy of seeing them be successful, knowing that the little part that I did made a change in their life—that’s what keeps me going,” Maclin said.
Commitment to Excellence—On and Off the Stage
Maclin’s approach to teaching extends beyond music. He insists on academic excellence, famously telling his students, “I’m not going to take around a bunch of singing dummies.” His choir includes some of Cordova’s highest-achieving students, including the school’s valedictorian.
Under Maclin’s leadership, the choir has performed on national stages, including Carnegie Hall and the Tennessee Music Educators Association conference. Beyond Cordova, he plays a vital role in the broader Memphis music scene as assistant artistic director for Memphis Choral Arts and conductor for the Memphis Men’s Chorale. He also serves as Minister of Music at Mount Moriah-East Baptist Church.
Recognition and a Lasting Legacy
The Music Educator Award includes a $10,000 honorarium for Maclin and a matching grant for Cordova High School’s music program. Nine other finalists received $1,000 honorariums, but Maclin stood out as the top honoree.
In a statement, Memphis-Shelby County Schools celebrated Maclin’s achievement saying, “His passion for music and education has changed lives, and we are incredibly proud to see one of our own recognized on such a prestigious platform.”
As the Grammy Awards approach, Maclin’s students and colleagues are already celebrating a well-earned victory—not just for him but for the entire Cordova High community.
