Zach Arenz from Flower City School No 54 earns national recognition for his innovative work in music education with Yamaha 40 Under 40 honor

Rochester, New York – A music classroom at Flower City School No. 54 has become a place where creativity, confidence, and connection come together, and now that work is being recognized on a national stage. Zach Arenz, a music teacher at the Rochester school, has been named to Yamaha’s 40 Under 40 Music Educators Class of 2026, an honor that highlights educators who are reshaping music education across the country.

The Yamaha 40 Under 40 program, now in its sixth year, recognizes 40 exceptional music teachers under the age of 40 who are making a meaningful impact in schools and communities nationwide. Hundreds of nominations are submitted each year by students, parents, colleagues, and mentors. From that pool, educators are selected for demonstrating action, courage, creativity, and growth in their work.

Arenz’s selection reflects a teaching approach centered on access, belonging, and joy. As the 2024 New York State Teacher of the Year, he has already gained statewide recognition, but the Yamaha honor places his work among a national group of leaders in music education. At the core of his philosophy is the belief that music is more than performance or technique.

He often describes music as “a vehicle for human connection,” a guiding idea that shapes how he teaches and how he builds relationships with students. In his classroom, student voices help guide instruction, and every learner is encouraged to feel seen, heard, and valued.

At Flower City School No. 54, Arenz has moved beyond traditional models of music education. He has developed nontraditional ensembles such as modern band and ukulele groups, offering students new and accessible entry points into making music. These ensembles allow students to explore contemporary styles, collaborate with peers, and take creative risks without fear of failure.

The emphasis is not just on musical skill, but on growth and confidence. Students are encouraged to work together, support one another, and celebrate their achievements, both big and small. According to Yamaha, this approach demonstrates how music can be used to engage learners while also strengthening overall school culture.

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Yamaha’s recognition highlights Arenz’s ability to blend creativity with action, showing how innovative programs can inspire students and create meaningful learning experiences. His work reflects the broader goals of the 40 Under 40 initiative, which seeks to spotlight educators who are shaping the future of music education in classrooms, universities, and nonprofit settings.

The Yamaha honor is not the only recent recognition Arenz has received. He was also nominated for a LifeChanger of the Year Award, a national program that celebrates educators who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and positive influence in their communities. The nomination further underscores the impact of his work both inside and outside the classroom.

Beyond his local and national achievements, Arenz has expanded his perspective through global learning opportunities. As a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, he traveled to Iceland and Greenland, experiences that deepened his understanding of culture, environment, and storytelling. He is set to continue that global journey this summer as a 2026 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellow, when he will travel to South Africa.

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Those experiences are not kept separate from his teaching. Arenz brings lessons from his travels back into his classroom, using them to enrich discussions, inspire curiosity, and help students see their place in a wider world.

By joining Yamaha’s 40 Under 40 Music Educators Class of 2026, Arenz becomes part of a nationally distinguished group of educators who are redefining what music education can look like. The recognition affirms his role as a leader in the field and shines a spotlight on the power of music to build connection, community, and opportunity for students at Flower City School No. 54 and beyond.