Guitar Educator of the Year

Congragulations to J. Curtis Thompson for being our 2026 Guitar Educator of the Year award recipient!

About J. Curtis Thompson

Thompson is an exceptional educator and advocate for guitar music education throughout Minnesota. His teaching philosophy encourages students to explore their natural curiosity across a wide range of musical styles, including classical, jazz, pop/rock, and Latin music. In addition to his work as an educator, Thompson maintains an active performance career, regularly presenting recitals, concertos, and performances spanning jazz, rock, and musical theater. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Guitar Performance at the University of Minnesota and holds degrees from Northern Arizona University and Idaho State University.

About the Award

The Guitar Educator of the Year award is meant to recognize individuals who are exceptional guitar instructors in the state of Minnesota.

To be eligible for the GEOTY award, the following criteria must be met: (1) nominees currently teach guitar to children and/or adults privately, at a music store, school, college or university, etc. in Minnesota; (2) nominees must be living, Minnesota residents who have taught guitar in Minnesota for at least two years by the nomination deadline, and intend to teach in Minnesota during the 2026-27 school year; (3) only one nomination per student or parent per year, please. (However, students may nominate their teachers again in subsequent years.)