The Maine Academy of Modern Music celebrates champions of music and community through our Community Rock Star awards. This honor recognizes individuals whose advocacy and meaningful contributions transform Maine's creative landscape. These individuals exemplify the spirit of community stewardship. Awards will be presented at PreSurgam.

Kennebec Savings Bank is a longstanding and reliable partner to MAMM’s Amplify Maine Tour, an initiative that brings live concerts and music experiences directly into schools across the state. Through this partnership, students gain meaningful exposure to professional musicianship and the power of live performance. Kennebec Savings Bank’s ongoing investment in community-centered programming reflects a shared belief in the importance of access to the arts and the role music plays in inspiring and connecting young people.

Long Creek Youth Development Center is operated by the Maine Department of Corrections and supports young people at a critical point in their lives. Through its partnership with MAMM, Long Creek provides access to music education for incarcerated youth. MAMM instructors work directly with students, helping them develop musicianship, build confidence, and earn arts credits toward high school graduation.

Chris Robinson is a Portland civic leader who has helped shape organizations such as SailMaine, Rippleffect, the Portland Museum of Art, and the University of Southern Maine Foundation. He brings a consistent and expansive civic vision rooted in access, mentorship, and the power of community participation. As a partner and advocate at MAMM, Chris has been a champion for underserved young people, while also helping to advance the Adult Bands program that brings 18+ musicians together around the shared joys of musicianship and performance.

A Grammy Award, seven-time Latin Grammy Award, and TEC Award–winning mastering engineer, Adam Ayan has been a defining force in the world of music production for decades. A passionate advocate for the art of mastering and the strength of the local music ecosystem, he has been a dedicated supporter of MAMM. Adam generously shares his expertise with students, offering guidance and insight to those interested in the craft of music mastering.

Maine Music Educator OF THE YEAR: EMILIA DAHLIN

Emilia has helped create meaningful opportunities for people of all backgrounds to engage with music as a tool for community building. MAMM has been collaborating with Emilia for years, most recently as part of the music programming at the Cherryfield Elementary School, where she provided music mentorship and inspiration through songwriting workshops with the students in this underserved Downeast community.