Dennis Murphy
171 Webster St., Monterey (831) 920-1310, dennismurphyschoolofmusic.com
The incumbent Best Musician Dennis Murphy will retain his title for the sixth year in a row. No term limits here. Murphy does not campaign for the coveted award, choosing instead to wield his influence on the next generation of up-and-coming talent by teaching them his winning ways. Whether it’s at the Dennis Murphy School of Music or at 15 schools around Monterey County, if a student is learning music, it’s likely they are being taught by Murphy or his team. Additionally, the three-time Grammy Award nominee gives over 150 workshops/sessions annually. Now, that’s leadership for a new millennium.