Awards and Honors
photo: Stephanie berger
Recent Honors
Spirit of Steinhardt Visionary Award, NYU Steinhardt (2026)
Peace Through Music Leadership Award, Songcatchers (2026)
Proclamation, Office of the Mayor, City of New Rochelle (2026)
Major Awards
MacArthur Fellowship | John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation (2011)
Musical America's 2018 Educator of the Year
The ASCAP Foundation Life in Music Award (2019)
ASCAP Victor Herbert Award (2009)
Bang on a Can's Visionary Award
Emmy® Awards
New York Emmy® Award, Topsy Turvy New York (2023)
New York Emmy®-winning Telemundo 47 holiday piece, featuring his arrangement of Silent Night / Noche de Paz (2022)
New York Emmy® nomination, Once Upon the Holidays
Honorary Degrees & Alumni Honors
Honorary Doctor of Music, Gettysburg College (2018)
Honorary Doctor of Music, Ithaca College (2016)
NYU Steinhardt Distinguished Alumnus Achievement Award (2014)
Earlier Recognition
Hispanic Business magazine- one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics
General Motors Corporation national campaign- An Unsung Hispanic Hero
La Sociedad Coral Latinoamericana - Man of the Year
New York Choral Society's Choral Excellence Award
Child Magazine’s Child Champion Award
