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Albright Professor Named Grammy Music Educator Award Quarterfinalist

by Albright College

Jun 28, 2021
Albright College faculty member AJ Merlino cultivates a passion for music with young musicians through the non-profit Reading Samba School.

Albright College faculty member, A.J. Merlino, D.M.A., has been named a 2022 Grammy Music Educator Award quarterfinalist by the GRAMMY Museum. The award is presented annually during GRAMMY Week in partnership with the Recording Academy.

Merlino was one of only eight educators recognized in Pennsylvania and one of 12 college and university educators, out of 219 music teachers celebrated throughout the country. This is his fourth time earning GRAMMY’s honor.

Albright College faculty member AJ Merlino cultivates a passion for music with young musicians through the non-profit Reading Samba School.

The Music Educator Award recognizes current educators (teaching kindergarten through college, in 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. Semifinalists will be announced in September.

Merlino is director of music industry studies and associate dean of student professional development and experiential learning at Albright College. A touring musician and entrepreneur turned educator, Merlino has held positions in Las Vegas, Nev., that include music director, composer, event coordinator, promoter and project manager. As an educator, his objective is to increase positive student outcomes through experiential learning.

Founded in 1856, Albright College is a diverse community of learners cultivating integrity, curiosity, connection and resilience. The college’s flexible curriculum encourages students to combine and cross majors to create individualized academic programs. Close faculty mentorship and numerous experiential learning options create opportunities for Albright graduates to exceed their own expectations. Located in Reading, Pa., Albright enrolls more than 1,800 full-time undergraduates and 700 adult learners and graduate students.

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