NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Metro Nashville Public Schools band directors Dr. Johnny Croft and Elmer Feliciano spend their days shaping young musicians through rhythm, discipline, and community. That dedication earned national spotlight recently when both Tennessee State University alumni were named 2026 Country Music Association (CMA) Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence.
The annual award honors top K-12 music educators across the country for their leadership, instructional impact, and commitment to music education.
Croft, director of bands and Visual and Performing Arts lead teacher at Cane Ridge High School, earned the recognition for the second time, following his initial honor in 2024. Feliciano, who directs the band program at McMurray Middle School, received the award for the first time.
Both educators were caught off guard when news of the honor broke during their school routines. Croft was attending an instrumental music professional development session when duty called him back to campus.
“I was attending an instrumental music PD session when my principal called me to ask if I could come to Cane Ridge High School,” Croft said. “When I arrived, I was surprised by the news. Receiving this recognition was an incredibly humbling moment that made me reflect on my journey and the students, mentors, and colleagues who have been part of it.”
Feliciano, who earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from TSU in 2012, saw the surprise unfold right inside his rehearsal space alongside his students and family.
“The weekend after my band’s spring concert, the district’s Visual and Performing Arts office reached out about filming a video with my students for new music teachers,” Feliciano recalled. “I was in the middle of filming when the CMA Foundation surprised me with the news that I’d been named a 2026 Music Teacher of Excellence. My students and I were caught completely off guard. Then my mother and sister walked in to celebrate with us. My mother had flown overnight from Puerto Rico to surprise me, which made the moment even more special.”
The shared honor highlights a strong connection between the two teachers: their foundational training at Tennessee State University. Both Croft and Feliciano performed in TSU’s world-renowned, Grammy Award-winning Aristocrat of Bands.
Croft, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, a Master of Science in Music Education, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from TSU, served as trumpet section leader in the AOB for two years.
“That experience helped me develop leadership skills and taught me the importance of communication, accountability, and leading by example,” Croft said. “The mentorship and high expectations I experienced reinforced the importance of discipline, preparation, teamwork, and pride. Those lessons guide how I teach, lead, and create opportunities for my students.”
Feliciano echoed those sentiments, pointing to ensemble dynamic lessons learned on the field and in the concert hall.
“Playing in TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands and Wind Ensemble taught me how much a group can accomplish when every musician knows their part matters,” Feliciano said. “I carry that lesson into my band room at McMurray, where I want every student to hear how their contribution changes the sound of the whole ensemble.”
Dr. Mark Crawford, professor and coordinator of Commercial Music in TSU’s Department of Music, noted that both men displayed exceptional promise early on.
“I’m not surprised that Johnny Croft and Elmer Feliciano were each identified as a CMA 2026 Music Teacher of Excellence,” Crawford said. “Even as students at TSU, they distinguished themselves from their peers. I could tell by the way they carried themselves that they were earnest about their chosen career path. When they graduated, both hit the ground running, and this award validates their hard work and commitment to music education.”
The recognition comes as TSU’s music programs continue to receive national acclaim. Following the historic Grammy win by the Aristocrat of Bands, Billboard has named TSU’s Commercial Music Program among its top music business programs for 2026. This marks the fourth consecutive year the university has earned this distinction from the magazine.
Both directors view the award as a direct reflection of the standard set at TSU.
“It means a lot to share this recognition with fellow TSU graduate Dr. Johnny Croft,” Feliciano said. “It means a great deal to be recognized for work that grew out of what I learned at TSU.”
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.