Virginia music teacher Annie Ray wins 2024 Grammy Music Educator Award

Annie Ray, a music teacher and orchestra leader from Annandale, Virginia, has been named the winner of the 2024 Music Educator Award. The prestigious honor, presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum, recognizes Ray's contribution to music education.

Ray, who teaches at Annandale High School, said she encourages her students to strive for excellence and go beyond what they think they can do. She also said she wants students to be vulnerable and make mistakes so that they can get better. 

"You have to be very loud and bold and be willing to make bad sounds before you learn how to make good sounds. So in my classroom, they learn confidence because they just have to shed their inhibitions, and just go for it," Ray said.