Auburn College of Education music education student named to Yamaha’s 40 Under 40

When asked what advice he would give to current students, Joshua Race shared a simple but impactful statement: “Never stop learning and growing!”

This mentality keeps Race going as both a full-time educator and a graduate student in the Music Education program of Auburn College of Education. Recently, Race’s dedication to education and music in his role as a director of bands in Fountain, Colorado, landed him a spot on the prestigious Yamaha 40 Under 40 List, which recognizes outstanding young music educators who are making a difference by growing and strengthening their music programs.

“It was an incredible surprise when I found out,” said Race, who began pursuing his education specialist degree at Auburn in 2024. “I am honored and humbled to be selected as part of the class of 2025.”

Race was recognized for his use of metacognitive strategies, which help students reflect on their learning and musical performance. Students assess and adjust their approach as both individuals and ensemble members by setting both individual and group goals.

“I model my thought processes and ask guiding questions to encourage critical thinking and self-reflection,” Race explained in his feature on the Yamaha 40 Under 40 website. “This helps students become more aware of how they think, problem-solve and improve during rehearsals. As they understand their own learning better, they become more engaged, leading to deeper growth and a stronger connection to both the music and the ensemble.”

For students at Fountain-Fort Carson High School, the band program has become more of a family, and enrollment has more than doubled under Race’s direction. He also founded the Fountain Valley Community Band to create an opportunity for community musicians and help music teachers reconnect with their passion for music and performing.

 “My journey over the duration of my career has been influenced and inspired by so many, and I am the teacher I am because of the mentorship I’ve received over the years,” Race said.

Race found one of those mentors in his program at the College of Education, and he says he has already been greatly impacted by his experience on the Plains and through the mentorship of Nancy Barry, a professor of music education.

“I began in August of 2024 and have had Dr. Barry several times,” Race said. “She has really pushed me philosophically and pedagogically, moved me out of my comfort zone and made me excited about learning at Auburn. In the short time I’ve taken courses, I’ve grown as an educator because of her. All of the music professors have been amazing.”

A native of Colorado, Race is in his 16^th year of teaching. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Northern Colorado and his master’s degree in music education from Adams State University.

Race said he enrolled in the education specialist music education program at Auburn for several reasons, including a hope to rise to a new level in his career as an educator.

“I researched different programs and know that Auburn has a strong history in both music and education,” Race said. “The degree program was very appropriate for me, and I felt like it would challenge me to become a better teacher overall. I’ve taken several courses, and I’ve already grown as an educator since I started the program.”

With his Auburn University degree, Race said he will be able to inspire future generations of students.

“My ‘why’ is about teaching young people through the medium of music,” Race said. “I know that many of my students will not pursue music post high school as a career, but I hope they will have learned skills through music classes that they’ll use throughout their lives, and a lifelong love for music—and hopefully play in a college or community group!”