The University of Tennessee’s (UT) Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is thrilled to announce that alumnus Dr. Frank Zimmerer (BA Music Education and Studio Music/Jazz ’11) has been honored as one of the Volunteer 40 Under 40. This prestigious recognition celebrates UT alumni under the age of 40 who have achieved remarkable success both personally and professionally since graduating. 

Zimmerer, the celebrated Director of Bands at Antioch High School in Nashville, TN, has had his exceptional career shaped by his experiences at UT. There, he was an Honor Graduate, Undergraduate Assistant for the Pride of the Southland Marching Band, and President of C-MENC/NafME. His ongoing commitment to music education and leadership is a testament to his formative experiences at the College of Music. 

“Being selected as a Volunteer 40 Under 40 is extremely humbling. Even more so, this award is for all the musicians from the UT College of Music and, more broadly, for the music educators who teach each day and spread the joy of music to their students with degrees from UT,” said Zimmerer. 

Zimmerer’s goal as a music educator is to nurture students into individuals who develop a lifelong appreciation for music. While some students may eventually pursue careers as musicians, his primary aim is to instill a profound love for music that endures beyond their time in the classroom. Zimmerer finds great joy in seeing educators and musicians receive significant recognition from universities, as it underscores the meaningful impact of their work. “You do not have to be a doctor, an engineer, an executive, a researcher, or a lawyer to make a difference—teachers get to do it daily,” said Zimmerer. 

Zimmerer’s impact on music education is profound. He has raised over $80,000 for underserved school music programs and has been involved in numerous music education initiatives, including serving as State Jazz Chair on the Tennessee Music Education Association Council as well as a founding member of the TnMEA Equity in Music Committee, aimed at reaching all music students from all areas of Tennessee. His dedication has earned him accolades such as Antioch High School Teacher of the Year and 4x CMA Teacher of Excellence. 

“The College of Music taught me how to always have high expectations but, more importantly, to be a sponge. Whether it was perfecting my craft as a pianist or saxophonist, attending concerts and workshops, engaging in professional development, collaborating with students and teachers, or performing around Knoxville, soaking up as much as I could allowed me to become the best musician I could,” said Zimmerer. “A huge shout-out to my mentors: Gary Sousa, Donald Ryder, John Martin, Michael Stewart, Connie Frigo, Donald Brown, Keith Brown, Mark Bowling, Vance Thompson, Greg Tardy, and David Royse—these TEACHERS are who helped me become the person I am today.” 

The UT Natalie L. Haslam College of Music proudly congratulates Frank Zimmerer on this well-deserved recognition. His contributions to music education and dedication to his students serve as an inspiration to the entire UT community. 

For more information about the Volunteer 40 Under 40, visit https://alumni.utk.edu/awards/volunteer-40-under-40/