Since 1918, The Civic Music Association of Milwaukee has promoted and recognized excellence in music education in our community.

Outstanding music teachers are honored each year for their outstanding work in the field of music education. Special recognition is given to the areas of:

• Instrumental Music Instruction
• Choral Music Instruction
• General Music Instruction
• Studio Music Instruction
• Youth Music Instruction

Nominees are also considered for Music Teacher of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award, although these awards are not given annually.

To make a nomination, please print the form at right and submit to the Civic Music Association of Milwaukee. All nominations must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2011.

2010 Lifetime Achievement Award

Frank (DeMiles) Dominguez
2010 Lifetime Achievement Award

Frank (DeMiles) Dominguez’s career as a music educator and jazz artist in the Milwaukee community spans more than 60 years.  Born in Waukesha, as a boy he began music lessons on the Hawaiian guitar and sang in Prof. Fred Gramman’s Boys Choir. At age 12 he began piano lessons, and throughout his four years at Marquette University High School he continued to sing and perform in the orchestra.  He attended Marquette University where he earned his B.S. Degree in Philosophy.  Originally enrolled in Marquette’s Dental School, Dominguez switched to music and earned his certification from the State Teacher’s College (now UWM).  In 1956, he began teaching Vocal Music at Greenfield High School.  During his 35 year tenure, Greenfield’s music curriculum expanded until a full music credit was required of students for graduation.  After retiring in 1990, he remained active as Choir Director at First Congregational Church in South Milwaukee and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Saukville.

Dominguez discovered jazz when he was in high school.  His career as a jazz artist began during the 1940s when he formed the Kent Quartet, and he has continued to perform since then at weddings and funerals, in restaurants, night clubs, bars, and numerous other venues in southeastern Wisconsin.

Today Dominguez lives in Port Washington where he continues to perform jazz and privately teach piano.  He also serves as a Master Adjudicator for the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA), which he has been involved with throughout his teaching career, and is Vice President of Jazz Unlimited of Greater Milwaukee.  Dominguez and his wife, Nancy, have 11 adult children (three of whom are professional musicians), 17 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.