About
The American Music Education Network, a newly formed organization based in North Carolina, is committed to championing and advancing music education throughout the United States. By fostering collaboration, advocating for the arts, and providing essential resources, we empower educators to inspire students in realizing their musical potential. Our mission is to cultivate vibrant, inclusive communities that recognize the transformative power of music, ensuring equitable access to high-quality music education for all learners.
Founders
Phillip & Carol Riggs
Phillip and Carol taught in North Carolina at the middle school and high school level for 30+. Both were active in the North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA). Carol served on the High School Choral Board as Secretary and was the coordinator of the High School Honors Choir for fourteen years. Phillip served as the President of the North Carolina Band Directors Association, was the NCMEA technology chair, and was the founding chair of the NCMEA Mentor program. He has also served as the Southern Division Representative on the NAfME Council for Band and the NC chair of the National Band Association.
Carol was inducted into the NCMEA High School Choral Section Hall-of-Fame and was awarded the NC American Choral Directors Association Lara Hoggard Award. Dr. Hoggard was Carol's choral director and mentor at UNC.
Phillip was the 2016 GRAMMY Foundation Music Educator of the Year. He was inducted into the NCMEA Band Section Hall-of-Fame and was voted into the American School Band Directors Association. Phillip was the first faculty member voted into the Ronald Reagan High School Hall of Fame, Winston-Salem, NC.
The Riggs are grateful for the numerous opportunities they enjoyed while teaching and hope to offer meaningful opportunities for music educators and their students in the future.
