2025 Recipient: Michelle Strain
Michelle Strain has been an active member of LMTA for nearly 30 years, beginning as a student member during her studies at Loyola University. She began her teaching career in the Prep Department of Loyola University first as a student teacher under the guidance of Janet Swanzy and continued after her graduation. Michelle has taught privately in her studio, Premier Piano, for the past 28 years and enjoys serving students of all ages and uses her music therapy training to work with students with exceptionalities. She is a local member of the Northshore Music Teachers Association and has served as co-president, Vice-president and chairperson of various festivals/competitions. She has served as the Northshore district rally chairperson for the past 15 years. As an active LMTA member, she has served as Vice-President, Certifications and Vice-President, Rallies. As Vice-President of Rallies, she revived the Torgrimson-Swanzy State Competition for Outstanding Students after a 2 year hiatus. She currently serves as Member-At-Large on the LMTA Executive Board. Michelle is also an active accompanist playing for all state and district honor choirs, various school choirs in the metropolitan New Orleans area, and as a church pianist. Michelle resides in Slidell where she continues to run her studio with her husband, Brian and her three young adult children.
Past Winners
2011 | Shirley Jennings
2013 | Janet Colbert
2015 | Judy McGehee, NCTM
2017 | Carla Breaux, NCTM
2019 | Carla Breaux, NCTM
2023 | Sue Steck-Turner, NCTM
2024 | Charles Jones, NCTM
2025 |