10 Ways to Show Your Appreciation For Music Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week

Let’s be honest– music teachers deserve a standing ovation every week of the year. But Teacher Appreciation Week gives us the perfect excuse to turn it up a notch and really show our gratitude.

Whether they’re conducting chaos into harmony or helping students find their voice (sometimes literally), music educators play a vital role in shaping students through creativity, discipline, and expression. Here are 10 meaningful and memorable ways to show your appreciation for music teachers during this special week.

When is Teacher Appreciation Week​?

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 will take place from May 5-9, with National Teacher Day on Tuesday, May 6. It’s the perfect time to recognize music teachers’ dedication to inspiring the next generation of performers and developing students’ creativity.

10 Special Teacher Appreciation Ideas

Here are 10 simple yet powerful ideas to show love and gratitude to your music teachers:

1. Write a Heartfelt Thank-You Note: A personal message from a student, parent, or administrator expressing the positive impact that the teacher has had can be incredibly meaningful. We’ve also included some templates to get you started below!
2. Create a Student Performance Video: Organize a surprise video performance featuring students playing a short piece and saying thank you.
3. Decorate their Room: Have students decorate the door or room with posters, musical puns, and kind words to surprise the teacher before school.
4. Give them a Personal Gift: Skip the “World’s Best Teacher” mug and try out some of these other creative gift ideas:
   a. Personalized Items: A custom baton, music stand, or folder. You could also gather handwritten messages from students and put them in a picture frame or other display. b. Classroom Essentials: Give them something they might need, like sheet music storage, a new baton, or whiteboard markers. c. Self-care Gifts: A cozy blanket, tea sampler, or relaxing stress-relief items. d. Music-themed Accessories: Look for fun music-themed socks, tote bags, or accessories.
5. Nominate Your Teacher for The Spark Award presented by MakeMusic and Alfred Music: Celebrate your teacher on a national level! The SPARK Award honors music educators who go above and beyond. Submit your nomination here to give your teacher the recognition they deserve.
6. Deliver a Tasty Treat: Drop off their go-to coffee, tea, or snack with a quick note of appreciation. A little caffeine and kindness goes a long way.
7. Make a Donation in Their Name: Find a local charity or non-profit music organization to donate to yourself, or get other parents involved and make a group donation.
8. Share a Positive Anecdote with the Principal: Let school leaders know about the difference your teacher is making, it’s a small gesture that can lead to bigger recognition.
9. Offer to Help With a Specific Task: Whether it’s setting up for a concert, chaperoning a field trip, or helping organize materials, your time is a valuable gift.
10. Create a Class “Appreciation Board”: Set up a bulletin board or digital space where students can post thank-you notes, drawings, and personalized messages.
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Teacher Appreciation Week Letter Templates

If you want to write a thoughtful letter for a music teacher you know but you’re not sure where to start, here are a few sample messages:

1. For Parents

Subject: Thank You for All You Do

Dear [Teacher’s Name],

I just wanted to take a moment during Teacher Appreciation Week to thank you for the difference you’ve made in [Student’s Name]’s life. Your passion for music and dedication to your students is clear in everything you do. [Student’s Name] has grown so much as a musician this year, and more importantly, they’ve gained confidence and a love for learning.

We’re truly grateful for your guidance and the time you invest in your students.

With appreciation, [Your Name]

2. For Administrators

Subject: Thank You for Your Impact

Dear [Teacher’s Name],

On behalf of the [School/District Name], I want to thank you for the outstanding work you do as part of our faculty.

Your leadership in the music program plays a vital role in shaping a positive and creative school environment. Your ability to connect with students and encourage their musical and personal growth doesn’t go unnoticed.

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence and for representing our school with such professionalism.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

3. For Students

Subject: Thank You, [Teacher’s Name]!

Dear [Teacher’s Name],

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Thank you for being such a great teacher and for making music class something I always look forward to.

I’ve learned so much this year, and I really appreciate how you always push us to do our best while still making things fun. You’ve helped me grow not just as a musician but as a person, too. Thank you for everything!

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Music Teacher Appreciation Quotes

These short, relevant teacher appreciation quotes can be used in cards, notes, or recognition materials:

• “Music can change the world because it can change people.” – Bono
• “The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” – Mark Van Doren
• “There is music in every child. The teacher’s job is to find it and nurture it.” – Frances Clark
• “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato
• “Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.” – Elton John
• “There’s nothing like music to relieve the soul and uplift it.” – Mickey Hart
• “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats
• “With music, one’s whole future life is brightened. This is such a treasure in life that it helps us over many troubles and difficulties. Music is nourishment, a comforting elixir. Music multiplies all that is beautiful and of value in life.” – Zoltán Kodály
• “So long as the human spirit thrives on this planet, music in some living form will accompany and sustain it.” – Aaron Copland

How to Show Teacher Appreciation with MakeMusic!

If your school uses MakeMusic, here’s another creative way to get students involved:

Have students (discreetly!) find out what music their teacher loves, then search the MakeMusic Cloud catalog for that piece. Even learning just a short section and surprising their teacher can become a memorable moment and a heartfelt way to say thanks.

If your school hasn’t used MakeMusic yet, now is the perfect time to consider how the right tools can support your music educators year-round, not just during appreciation week.

MakeMusic offers an integrated platform built specifically for music instruction and practice, helping teachers save time, customize assignments, and give students a more engaging learning experience. To explore how MakeMusic can benefit your music program, try our free 30-day trial!

And don’t forget – Nominate an outstanding teacher for The Spark Award today!

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