In June, the National Association for Music Education honored Alice Hammel, professor of music education at James Madison University and lecturer in music education at the U of A, as the 2023 Lowell Mason Fellow.

Mason teaches courses for the U of A's Graduate Certificate in Music Education for Students with Special Needs.

This distinction is one of music education's most important honors, designed to recognize the accomplishments of music educators, music education advocates, political leaders, industry professionals and others who have contributed to music education in their unique way.  Hammel was recognized as the 2023 Lowell Mason Fellow during the association's National Leadership Assembly in Washington, D.C., attended by music educators and association leadership from around the country.

"The Lowell Mason Fellowship is one of the highest honors one can receive in music education, recognizing luminaries who have made profound contributions to the field," said Dan Abrahams, associate professor of music education at the U of A. "Alice Hammel's innovative teaching methods, advocacy for music education and unwavering commitment to her students truly exemplifies the spirit of this distinguished award.

"As a visionary educator and dedicated mentor, she has left an indelible mark on the music education students at the University of Arkansas," he said. "Her passion for teaching and commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity has inspired countless students to reach new heights of academic achievement and personal growth."

Hammel is the current president of the Virginia Music Educators Association. In addition to being a member of the faculty at James Madison University, she has many years of experience teaching instrumental and choral music in public and private schools. Hammel also teaches online courses through many institutions throughout the United States and has maintained a large, independent flute studio for more than 35 years.

Hammel travels widely to universities during the school year to serve as in-residence scholar in the area of students with special needs, including the U of A. She is the co-author of four texts: A Label-Free Approach (third edition), Teaching Music to Students with Autism (second edition), Winding It Back: Teaching to Individual Differences in Music Classroom and Ensemble Settings and Teaching Music to Students with Differences and Disabilities: A Practical Resource (second edition) available through Oxford University Press. Hammel is also a contributing author to a variety of NAfME resources and has published widely in music, arts, special and general education journals.

Hammel has presented multiple workshops through the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and serves on the committee for the Kennedy Center National Forum: Examining the Intersection of Arts Education and Special Education, as well as serving on their planning committee for their annual national conference.

The prestigious Lowell Mason Fellows award is named for educator, musician and composer of more than 1,600 hymn tunes, Lowell Mason, who is considered to be the father of public school music education in the United States. He has been credited with introducing music instruction to American public schools in the 19th century and with establishing teacher training in music education. In 2002, the importance of his contributions to music education inspired NAfME to create the Lowell Mason Fellows award.

Lowell Mason Fellow designations also provide an opportunity to support the efforts of NAfME through the donation made in the honoree's name. This donation goes to NAfME to support future generations of music educators through the organization's programs. Individuals or groups (corporations, universities, foundations, student organizations, etc.) may fund designations.

About the National Association for Music Education: The association is a collaborative community that supports music educators and advocates for equitable access to music education. The only association that addresses all aspects of music education, NAfME, together with its affiliated state music education associations, advocates at the national, state, and local levels and provides resources and opportunities for teachers, students, parents, and administrators. Founded in 1907 and representing more than 53,000 members teaching millions of students, the National Association for Music Education advances the music education profession and promotes lifelong experiences in music.