We’re proud to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our ArtistWorks instructors and collaborators who have been nominated for — and honored with — some of the highest awards in bluegrass and Americana music. The 2025 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards spotlight the very best in the genre, and this year’s nominees include many familiar faces from the ArtistWorks family.
ArtistWorks Instructors Among the 2025 IBMA Award Nominees
Our instructors have been recognized across nearly every major category:
- Song of the Year
“5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” – Alison Brown, Steve Martin, featuring Tim O’Brien - Album of the Year
Earl Jam – Tony Trischka - Instrumental Group of the Year
Billy Strings (featuring Alex Hargreaves) - Instrumental Recording of the Year
“Ralph’s Banjo Special” – Kristin Scott Benson, Gena Britt & Alison Brown - Collaborative Recording of the Year
“5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” – Alison Brown & Steve Martin featuring Tim O’Brien
“Ralph’s Banjo Special” – Kristin Scott Benson, Gena Britt & Alison Brown - Female Vocalist of the Year
Sierra Hull - Banjo Player of the Year
Alison Brown
Tony Trischka - Bass Player of the Year
Missy Raines - Resophonic Guitar Player of the Year
Andy Hall - Guitar Player of the Year
Bryan Sutton - Mandolin Player of the Year
Sierra Hull - Music Video of the Year
“5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” – Alison Brown & Steve Martin featuring Tim O’Brien
These nominations reflect not just the individual artistry of our instructors, but also their ongoing impact on the future of bluegrass.
Distinguished Achievement Award: Missy Raines
A special congratulations to Missy Raines, recipient of the 2025 IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award. Missy has redefined what’s possible for bass players in bluegrass, becoming the first woman to win IBMA’s Bass Player of the Year award — a staggering ten times. Her career spans collaborations with legends, groundbreaking ensembles, and her acclaimed solo work. Missy’s artistry, leadership, and teaching continue to inspire new generations of musicians around the world.
Bluegrass Hall of Fame Inductee: Hot Rize
The IBMA also announced that Hot Rize will be inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, the highest honor in the genre. With a legacy of innovation and influence dating back to the late 1970s, Hot Rize has shaped the sound of bluegrass for decades. We’re especially proud that ArtistWorks instructor Bryan Sutton has carried that torch since joining the band in 2002.
Americana Recognition: Alex Hargreaves Wins Instrumentalist of the Year
The celebrations don’t stop at IBMA. ArtistWorks instructor Alex Hargreaves also won Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2025 Americana Music Awards — a testament to his versatility, virtuosity, and influence across genres.
A Community of Excellence
At ArtistWorks, we are honored to have such extraordinary musicians as part of our teaching community. Their artistry, accolades, and dedication to sharing their knowledge with students around the world remind us why we do what we do: to connect learners with the very best in music.
Congratulations to all of our instructors and collaborators for these well-deserved honors!