Armstrong and John Marshall high school’s choral director James Johnson is among 200 quarterfinalists for the Grammy Music Educator Award. The award, presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum, recognizes educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education. Nominees also must demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in schools.

“This national honor is truly humbling, but regardless of the final outcome, I already feel like a winner because I have the privilege to serve in the finest district in Virginia with the most exceptional students in the world,” Johnson said.

Johnson, a self-described musician, singer, producer and songwriter, comes from a family rooted in music. His mother serves as the minister of music at their home church in Baltimore, where his father is the pastor. His musical journey has seen him write songs for various television programs and short films, as well as tour with major recording artists, including Nancy Wilson and the R&B group Dru Hill.

The Baltimore native brought his passion for music to Richmond in 2008, when he began teaching at Carver and Bellevue elementary schools.

His first year at Armstrong and John Marshall in 2024-25 marked a new chapter for music education.

“It had been three years since Armstrong had a choral program before I got there, and eight for John Marshall,” Johnson said.

In addition to contributions to music education, the award celebrates the educators’ impact on the lives of their students.

Growing up in inner-city Baltimore, Johnson lacked exposure beyond his neighborhood. But, discovering music at a young age gave him a foundation for success and opportunities he never thought possible.

Those early years inspired him to give back to his community, and he understands how music can lead to possibilities beyond his students’ current situation.

Johnson is on a mission to show his students the many possibilities music can open up, even if it doesn’t lead to a career in music. He firmly believes music education instills essential life skills, and he’s committed to nurturing his students’ potential.

“My students develop discipline and time management through consistent practice, while ensemble work builds collaboration and leadership capabilities,” he said. “I also use music as a bridge to enhance performance in math, reading, and critical thinking.”

Fifteen semifinalists for the Grammy Music Educator Award will be announced in September and receive a $500 honorarium and matching school grants. The nine finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, as well as matching grants for their schools. The winner will be honored during Grammy Week in Los Angeles and receive a custom award and a $10,000 honorarium.

When did you begin teaching? I’ve been teaching since 2002. I started in the Baltimore Public Schools and moved to Richmond in 2008.

Where do you live now? Hanover.

What’s your educational background? I just completed my master’s in divinity from Virginia Union University, and I’m working on a doctoral degree. I have a bachelor’s in jazz studies from Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University; a master’s in education from Virginia State University; a master’s in music business from Berklee College of Music; and an MBA from Boston University.

How were you notified about the award nomination? I was notified via email, inviting me to fill out an application.

How does it feel to be nominated? It’s amazing! I serve in education and music to give back to the community, so to be recognized for what I do is humbling. I am grateful for all the support and the ability to serve at the two high schools I love so dearly, Armstrong and John Marshall.

What is the Grammy Music Educator Award? The Music Educator Award recognizes current educators, kindergarten through college and public and private schools, who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.

The Music Educator Award program, including honorariums, is made possible by the generosity and support of the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation.

In addition, the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, NAMM Foundation, and National Education Association support this program through outreach to their constituencies.

Why were you nominated? Who nominated you? I don’t know who nominated me or why. I try very hard every day to expose my students to opportunities where music can take them, including college, because music was an opportunity to see beyond my neighborhood.

What do you love most about teaching music? I love watching my students grow. I see where they start and where they end up. I’m not just teaching music. I want to see them grow scholastically and as a person.

Why is it important to have music programs in public schools? Music education isn’t just about musical theory. It has unlimited potential to teach students life skills. I bring the two schools together to form a single choir.

That requires them to learn teamwork, collective responsibility, inclusivity and social skills. It builds confidence. They also learn about goal setting, critical thinking, math, time management and leadership.

Tell me about today’s students and their interest in music. I meet my students where they are musically. I grew up learning classical music and I teach the students about the parallels between today’s music and the music of the past. It’s all about exposure and appreciation. I have a great group of kids. 

What musical instruments do you play? I’m a percussionist and I play the piano, organ and guitar.

Do you perform locally? Yes, locally and nationally.

What sparked your love of music? I’m from a family of musicians. We have a huge musical family, so I grew up with it.

Who are some of your favorite recording artists? Quincy Jones is my favorite. He’s one of my top influences. I love everything that he’s done as a producer, arranger and songwriter. I’m also influenced by Stevie Wonder, Prince and Ella Fitzgerald.

What hobbies do you have? I like to cook. I do a lot of seafood because I’m from Baltimore. I also bake, and my favorites are pound cake and sweet potato pie.

Does Richmond have a good crab cake? I will not eat a Richmond crab cake, no offense. It’s just not Baltimore. There’s nothing like a Baltimore crab cake. The first thing I do when I go home is get crab cakes.

What do you think about the Allianz Amphitheater? Richmond needs a venue like that to attract artists. When artists come to Virginia, they typically play larger venues in Hampton Roads or Washington, D.C. I think it’s a great thing for the city.

What do you do in your spare time? I’m very involved in church. I serve in a church in Loudoun County. I’m also the minister of music at Cedar Street Baptist Church, so I don’t have a lot of spare time. When I do, I like movies, going to the gym, writing and spending time with my family.

How do you start your day? I get up in the morning around 4:45 a.m. to go to the gym.

What are three words that describe who you are? Passion, dedication and creativity.

Who is your dream dinner party guest? Miles Davis, because he significantly changed the scope of how music can be appreciated. He’s in his own world on stage.

What’s your favorite quote? “Everybody, no matter what vocation they’re looking at, should add music as an essential to their curriculum” by Quincy Jones.

What book influenced you the most and how? James Baldwin’s “The Fire Next Time.” His strategies for understanding how African Americans are viewed in society and the opportunities to build wealth and strive for excellence.

What are you reading now? I’m reading “Learning from the Giants: Life and Leadership Lessons from the Bible” by John Maxwell.

If you win, who will you take to L.A. with you? I don’t know. I don’t want to reveal that just yet.

What’s your next goal? I want to see my children grow into their fullest versions and complete my doctoral program in theology.