Nathan Beeler, a 2006 graduate from the Masters of Music (Conducting) was awarded the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence for 2010-2011.

"When Nathan - Mr. Beeler - picks up his conductor's baton, his students can make notes dance off their sheets of music. A talented musician in his own right, Mr. Beeler creates opportunities for students to collaborate, to be open to things they don't yet understand and to believe that they are part of something that is bigger than themselves. To them Mr. Mr. Beeler is not just a music teacher, but a teacher of life."

Nathan teaches Music for grades 10, 11, and 12 at Charles P. Allen High School in Nova Scotia. In an article about the award he was lauded for his achievements:

• A school-wide initiative co-led by Mr. Beeler, "904 " was a fusion of visual art, sound, multimedia images, lighting, drama, and dance to creatively commemorate the Halifax Explosion of 1917. The production was one of 104 projects at the 2010 Halifax Art Festival "Nocturne: Art at Night " and the only one performed by a high school.
• Spring break is never a break for Mr. Beeler. For three years, he has led cultural exchanges and performance programs to Cuba for his students who still rave about the trip, regardless of the paths they decided to pursue.
• Mr. Beeler secured a $5,000 grant from the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism and Culture to commission a new Canadian music piece for the CPA wind ensemble. In Qawwali Party students worked with professional and world-class musicians. Composer Dinuk Wijeratne was impressed by Mr. Beeler's ability to interpret and technically achieve his vision in the final performance.

Rave reviews from students: