National Association for Music Education (NAfME)

We are the National Association for Music Education—join us! nafme.org/membership

Best wishes—and let’s make it a musical year! If you missed it, hear a special message from NAfME President Deb Confredo: “Hello, my friends. Here we are in the midst of another beautifully busy, magically wondrous, and breathlessly, exciting holiday season. This is a time of year when we as individuals and families look to the warmth of holiday messages and embrace the promise of hope as we focus on the new year ahead. The most treasured part of our holidays is the role that music plays. It's in the air, indeed, it is everywhere that music helps to remind us of the human spirit, the happiness that comes with selflessness and giving, and how truly privileged we are that we get to share it with others. During this winter holiday season, our schools will resound with the magnificent sounds of music made by our students of all ages and abilities. And while our kiddos share the gift of music, be in the moment, drink in their joyfulness, revel in their accomplishments, and be glad in their kindness. And as you do remember, to celebrate you and the gift that you give them every day. Your vocation brings beauty to a world that so needs more beauty. Your work brings light that brightens even the darkest moments. Your work lifts us up. Your NAfME leadership, governance, and staff are so very grateful for you. We're better because of you. Our children's lives are enriched because of you. Our profession is strong because of you. We wish you all the love, laughter, and beauty that this holiday season holds, and we hope that these holiday gifts follow each of you into and throughout the new year. Happy holidays everyone, and happy 2025.”

NAfME joins in appreciation for the work President Jimmy Carter did for education and sends condolences to his family and loved ones. The nation is indebted.

All of us here at NAfME wish you warm holiday greetings and best wishes in the coming new year! Hear from NAfME President Deb Confredo: https://lnkd.in/eTexnR27

💻🎧Check out these TWELVE winter webinars on the calendar and register today! 🔗Links below January 7: Welcoming LGBTQ+ Students in the Music Classroom presented by Emily Golan https://lnkd.in/e4bHCFpu January 8: Inclusion within the Multilingual Music Classroom presented by Victor Lozada https://lnkd.in/ea-t6dwp January 14: Joyful Learning with Project-Based Music Technology presented by Ashleigh McDaniel Spatz https://lnkd.in/eTz4XSJS January 21: Meaningful Collaboration: Supporting Students with Disabilities presented by Maxwell Trombley and Kyra Stahr https://lnkd.in/e7Q4RF2P January 28: Teaching Music—Teaching Culture presented by Jennifer M. Mellizo and Patricia Shehan Campbell https://lnkd.in/eiASuaUZ January 29: Make It Music: Dalcroze Strategies for Elementary Classrooms presented by Anthony Molinaro https://lnkd.in/eqQHuE4B January 30: Amplifying Your Voice: Advocacy Strategies for Music Educators presented by Bethany Snyder, MPP https://lnkd.in/ehQuyNRC February 5: Tips for a Successful Job Search: Starting with the End in Mind presented by Kim Councill https://lnkd.in/ej3Nwd3K February 11: Cultivating Classroom Community presented by Amanda Suckow and Christian Smith https://lnkd.in/eDi-cbSH February 12: Beyond Diversity: Designing Culturally Responsive Music Instruction presented by Ashley Cuthbertson https://lnkd.in/em6UX2Q7 February 25: Music for All: Engaging All Learners in the Accessible Music Classroom presented by Brian Wagner-Yeung https://lnkd.in/eJBa3upK March 5: Is It Possible? LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Elementary Music presented by Kelly Ruggieri https://lnkd.in/emh9UKUN

At The Midwest Clinic? Come say hello to NAfME Assistant Executive Director for Advocacy and Public Policy Amanda Karhuse (right) and NAfME Collegiate Membership Manager Ben Reyes (left)! The booth is open Wednesday until 5PM CT, Thursday 9AM-5PM CT, and Friday 9AM-4PM CT. Stickers available for Collegiates! And check out these resources for #MidwestClinic attendees: https://lnkd.in/eMFb8tai

Amanda Karhuse, NAfME Assistant Executive Director for Advocacy and Public Policy, will be joining Bob Morrison, Founder and CEO of Quadrant Research and Chair of the Teach Music Coalition (teachmusic.org), and Dr. James Weaver, NFHS Director of Performing Arts and Sports, on Wednesday, January 22, during the NAMM Show Music Education Leaders Summit for the session titled “Music Teacher Shortage: Unpacking the Data behind the Decline.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gv9ccMif (click on Wednesday) #NAMMShow Space is limited, RSVP today: https://lnkd.in/dcdFkKGm

❄Winter webinars are on the calendar! Register for the January 14 webinar “Joyful Learning with Project-Based Music Technology” presented by Ashleigh McDaniel Spatz: https://lnkd.in/eTz4XSJS About the webinar: In this webinar we will explore several different options for project-based learning with music technology, including podcasts, photo essays, stop motion, and joke reels. These projects have an abundance of voice and choice, they are joyful, and they are sure to keep your students engaged. The lessons were inspired by the work being done in the Connected Arts Networks (CAN) project, and specifically these projects were created with Gholdy Muhammed’s five pursuits in mind. The learning objectives in these projects include: *Identity: Students will explore who they are, their preferences, and their interests. *Skills: Students will learn how to use a digital audio workstation (DAW) and other visual programs. *Intellect: Students will learn to edit, review, and rework their presentations so that they have the highest quality possible. *Criticality: Students will have the chance to courageously share their experience even if it is vastly different from their peers. *Joy: Students will engage in joyful learning with these opportunities to be creative.

Congratulations to the 2025 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Finalists! Learn which finalists are NAfME members: https://lnkd.in/eKXUkd53 Best wishes to all the finalists! #GRAMMYs GRAMMY Museum The Recording Academy

Heading to The Midwest Clinic? Come by and say hello! Find NAfME in the Exhibit Hall at booth #905. Collegiates—stop by to get your NAfME Collegiate vinyl sticker! https://lnkd.in/dese5DD On Wednesday: Richard Tengowski, NAfME North Central Division Immediate Past President and NAfME Small Schools Initiative Task Force Chair, “Elevating the Small-School Music Education Experience,” Dec. 18, 12:00–1:00 PM, Room W179 https://lnkd.in/edcf8Czy #MidwestClinic