Brendan Hagan is nationally recognized for his contributions to music education. Hagan has received both the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence and the Alberta Provincial Excellence in Teaching Award. These awards represent the highest honors available to educators in Canada, and Hagan is honored to share this distinction with the country's finest educators.

In addition, Hagan has received the Loran Scholars Foundation's Teachers Building Leaders Award, which honors his ability to foster transformational leadership while cultivating skills and talents in the next generation of leaders. Most recently, he was nominated for the 2024 Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching, recognizing his role as an outstanding educator who serves as a role model and mentor, instills a love of learning, inspires academic excellence, and encourages the pursuit of higher education.

As a conductor and clinician, Hagan has led the University of North Texas Symphonic Band in recording the album “A Few Notes Between Friends: The Music of Julie Giroux.” He has served as Associate Conductor of the National Academy Orchestra of Canada and is in high demand as a guest conductor. His collaborations with Disney Imagination Campus, including his role as a presenter at the Disney “Inspiring Excellence” Summit in California, highlight his influence in the field. Additionally, Hagan is honored to be part of the distinguished music education team at Bands of America and Music for All, serving as a member of their music adjudication faculty. He is also a member of the national evaluation panel for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence and Teaching Excellence in STEM.

Hagan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with Distinction, a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with Distinction, and a Master’s Degree in Leadership from Gonzaga University in Washington. Hagan currently serves as the Department Chair for the Fine and Performing Arts and Director of Bands at Western Canada High School.