MMTA Announces the First Recipient of the Alison S. Barr Innovation Award
The Alison S. Barr Innovation Award Committee, chaired by Caroline Ly, is pleased to announce the inaugural recipient of the Alison S. Barr Innovation Award:
Penny Lazarus, NCTM
(L-R) Caroline Ly, Innovation Award Committee Chair; Penny Lazarus, Award Recipient; and Alison S. Barr
Penny's project, "Building Belonging Through Music and Language for Refugee and Immigrant Families," seeks to bring together students and their families, ESOL learners and their families, and staff from the International Institute of New England–Boston for music-based language practice, art activities, culturally responsive dining experiences, and meaningful social interaction.
Penny directs a 45-student, project-based piano studio in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Holding degrees in music, psychology, art history, and education, she is a strong advocate for socially conscious pedagogy and works to expand young pianists' access to music by BIPOC and women composers.
We extend our sincere thanks to Caroline Ly and committee members Deborah F. Adams, Karen Zorn, Jonathan Roberts—who also originated the award concept—and MMTA President Valerie Stark for their dedication in establishing the award, developing its guidelines, and ensuring a thoughtful and timely selection process.
We would also like to thank the other two applicants, both of whom submitted outstanding proposals. We were delighted by the level of participation in the award's inaugural year and encouraged by the creativity and commitment demonstrated by all applicants.
Selected from a field of three candidates, Penny's project will begin in July 2026 and culminate in May 2027 with the presentation of a video documenting the project's development and outcomes. This presentation will be made available to all MMTA members and will also be posted on the MMTA website.
For more information about the Alison S. Barr Innovation Award, or to explore applying for the 2027–2028 award cycle, please visit:
www.mmta.net/asbarrinnovationaward
Applications will reopen in Spring 2027.
Congratulations, Penny!