David Billingsley III, director of music at DeLaSalle High School, has been named a quarterfinalist for the 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award. Recognized for his impact on students, community, and music education, Billingsley is among 200 educators selected nationwide from over 2,000 nominees.
David Billingsley III, director of music at DeLaSalle High School, has been named a quarterfinalist for the 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award. Presented by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum, the annual award honors exceptional music educators who have made a significant and lasting impact on students and their communities.
Selected from more than 2,000 nominees nationwide, Billingsley is one of just 200 quarterfinalists representing 180 cities across the country. He is among a small group of Minnesota educators to receive this recognition. Semifinalists will be announced in September, with the final honoree celebrated during GRAMMY Week 2026 in Los Angeles.
Championing music with purpose
At DeLaSalle, Billingsley leads a robust program that includes choir, band, jazz ensemble, orchestra, and drumline. His approach to teaching blends high musical standards with cultural relevance, empowering students to cultivate both technical mastery and personal expression.
Under his leadership, DeLaSalle’s music program has gained national attention. In 2024, it received the Support Music Merit Award from the NAMM Foundation—an honor given to fewer than 90 schools nationwide. In 2025, Billingsley led students on an international cultural exchange tour to France, offering them a global perspective through music and performance.
Bringing music to public spaces
Beyond the classroom, Billingsley shares his talents through the Arts@MSP Performing Arts Roster at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. He is one of 19 local artists selected to perform regularly at both terminals, helping deliver more than 1,000 live performances annually to travelers. His sets span gospel, jazz, R&B, soul, and original compositions—reaching diverse audiences where they least expect it.
Advancing equity through education
Billingsley is also the founder and executive director of The Billingsley School of Music & Arts (BSOMA), a nonprofit music and arts academy based in Minneapolis. BSOMA provides students from kindergarten through high school with instruction in piano, voice, theory, songwriting, and more. Its mission centers on access, equity, and cultural identity, with many students coming from historically underserved communities.
The program not only nurtures artistic talent but also focuses on leadership development, self-expression, and community engagement. Scholarships and outreach programs ensure that high-quality instruction remains accessible regardless of family income.
A multifaceted career
In addition to his educational work, Billingsley performs internationally as a keyboardist and background vocalist for Grammy-nominated artist Stokley, formerly of Mint Condition. His commitment to uplifting others through music—whether on stage, in school, or in the community—remains the foundation of his work.
To learn more, visit billingsleymusic.com or follow @davidbillingsleykeys on Instagram.
Congratulations to David Billingsley and the DeLaSalle High School community on this well-earned honor.