Music plays a monumental role in our lives. I reflected on this recently as my daughter nervously performed for the first time with 300 other 5th grade band members (that’s more than half of the 5th grade class!) and my son rocked the audience with his 8th grade saxophone solo.
Music has been an outlet for them, a place to shine, and a way to build confidence. It is an elemental part of our collective human experience, and I am grateful that our district continues to value music education as an essential part of the curriculum.
Resources for Music Educators
Music educators are the key to unlocking potential and shaping successful students. However, they are often overlooked for professional development opportunities or have limited educational materials available specifically to them.
Take heart, though (insert cheerful trumpeting here!), we’ve pulled together some helpful resources for music educators.
Conferences and Trade Shows
NAfME
One of the best ways to stay current with the pedagogy of music education is membership in a professional organization like the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). NAfME provides research and support to its members, offers professional development and acts as an advocate for music education.
NAfME also hosts conferences and a symposium, exceptional forums for music teachers, researchers, administrators, program leaders and others to share the latest innovations in music.
- Eastern Division Conference: April 24–27, 2025 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut
- Northwest Division Conference: February 13–16, 2025 in Spokane, Washington
- DCMEA Conference: January 10–11, 2025 at the Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art in Washington, DC
- Symposium on Music Teacher Education: October 23–25, 2025 at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN
Midwest Clinic
Another great way to stay informed is networking with those who share a passion for music at events like The Midwest Clinic, an annual four-day music, band and orchestra conference. This premier gathering in Chicago, IL is the largest of its kind and more than 70 years in the making. All instructional and skill levels are encouraged to attend!
MEAs
MEAs (Music Educators Associations) are available in most states and exist solely for the benefit of music educators. Many boast resources, curriculum, conferences, webinars, festivals, scholarships and a plethora of helpful information.
Podcasts
Need a little inspiration for your music program? Podcasts are a great resource for busy music educators.
Driving, cleaning, or relaxing after a long rehearsal, podcaster pros offer valuable insights, helpful tips, and a creative boost to take your music program to the next level.
A few options to consider….
There are lots more to choose from as well so grab your headphones and listen in!!
The Ultimate Playlist: 5 Best Podcasts for High School Band Directors
Blogs
Blogs are an easy way to source helpful content that you can use with students. One of our favorites that is packed with useful information is The Kaleidoscope, which is hosted by Kaleidoscope Adventures.
Kaleidoscope Adventures is a premier student tour operator that has been planning exceptional performance travel experiences for more than 30 years – so you can trust that they know what they’re talking about!
Here is a sample of some of the content you’ll find here:
Strike the Right Note: 6 Essential Tips for New Band Directors to Build A Successful Program
10 Travel Tips for Band Directors
7 Smart Ways to Make Your Classroom More Inclusive
5 Tips to Record A Great Audition
Expert Tips for Planning Performance Trips They’ll Love
Band Competition Survival Guide for Parents
Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) During Your First Band Camp
Social Media
Finally, don’t discount the power of social media! Sites like Music Educator Resources, and Mrs. Miracle’s Music Room have superb blogs packed with ideas and information for music educators.
A Symphony of Helpful Resources for Music Educators
Music provides the soundtrack to our lives, and music educators are artistic engineers. Just as our 5th grade band director has inspired hundreds of young people to explore an interest in music, there is a symphony of helpful resources for music educators. They’ll inspire and support the efforts of these key players in our children’s education.
