North Carolina Music Educators Association

08/31/2026

Join the NCDPI Arts Ed Team at the Comprehensive Arts Education Conference, Saturday, September 26th at PECK Expeditionary Learning School, in Greensboro, NC! This day-long conference serves as a statewide professional development opportunity for dance, music, theatre, and visual arts educators, district arts education leaders, teaching artists, arts integration specialists, and pre-service teachers from across North Carolina working in K-12 programs, independent studios, performing arts organizations, and higher education institutions.
The mission of this conference is to support the three essential components of the North Carolina Comprehensive Arts Education Model: Arts Education, Arts Integration, and Arts Exposure. Sessions will be centered on the four K-12 Arts Education Standards core strands of Connect, Create, Present, and Respond and aid to reinforce the 2024 standard course of study.
This event is proudly supported by the North Carolina Music Educators Association. All conference participants will receive a boxed lunch and a NC CAEC T-shirt with registration. CEUs provided!
See the Conference Agenda with hyperlinked session descriptions at https://go.ncdpi.gov/CAEC-26Agenda
Register today! https://go.ncdpi.gov/26CAEC-Reg

08/26/2026

Grants are available to public middle school music teachers in the United States, for the acquisition of in-school music classroom equipment and supplies to benefit current and future students and for student transportation to senior facilities. Eligible teachers may apply for a Grant for any amount up to a maximum of $1,850.00 annually between July 1st and January 31st.

The purpose of the Grant is to provide students with impressionable performance experiences with engaging, informal audiences where the world of music comes to life for them. Through the blending of their hearts and imaginations, this opportunity will inspire the students to grow as musicians and compassionate members of their community.

The Grantee and their middle school music students are to provide three musical performances at senior facilities in their local or nearby communities during the school year. Each engagement must include time for meaningful visitation between the students and senior citizens.

See the Foundation’s website https://buff.ly/1ZlFuoy for complete information.

This Middle School Music Grant Program supports the efforts of teachers to lead their students to a fruitful life of behavioral kindness and emotional wellness by nurturing empathy and compassion through community service. Additionally, the Grant provides funds directly to music teachers for the enh...

08/26/2026

2026 NC Idea Challenge - Don't Miss This!

Do you have an idea that you need some funding to get started? The Idea Challenge is for North Carolina educators: teachers, principals, counselors, coaches, and community leaders working with kids. Submit a 2-minute video of your idea. We answer in 10 days. Winners earn a $1,000 prize. Deadline to submit is October 4th.

https://buff.ly/T6mF28L

08/25/2026

Register by THIS FRIDAY, 8/28 to guarantee a conference t-shirt!
Join the NCDPI Arts Ed Team at the Comprehensive Arts Education Conference, Saturday, September 26th at PECK Expeditionary Learning School, in Greensboro, NC! This day-long conference serves as a statewide professional development opportunity for dance, music, theatre, and visual arts educators, district arts education leaders, teaching artists, arts integration specialists, and pre-service teachers from across North Carolina working in K-12 programs, independent studios, performing arts organizations, and higher education institutions.
The mission of this conference is to support the three essential components of the North Carolina Comprehensive Arts Education Model: Arts Education, Arts Integration, and Arts Exposure. Sessions will be centered on the four K-12 Arts Education Standards core strands of Connect, Create, Present, and Respond and aid to reinforce the 2024 standard course of study.
This event is proudly supported by the North Carolina Music Educators Association. All conference participants will receive a boxed lunch and a NC CAEC T-shirt with registration. CEUs provided!
See the Conference Agenda with hyperlinked session descriptions at https://go.ncdpi.gov/CAEC-26Agenda
Register today! https://go.ncdpi.gov/26CAEC-Reg

08/25/2026

✨ Today, we’re shining our Advocate Leader Spotlight on James Daugherty, Advocacy Chair of the North Carolina Music Educators Association!

A dedicated member of the Advocacy Leadership Force (ALF) since its inception, James has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for music education advocacy in North Carolina. From helping advance an arts graduation requirement to building strong relationships with state legislators, he’s driven meaningful progress. James is especially proud to have helped expand NCMEA members’ knowledge of federal funding streams, an important part of building stronger advocacy.

For James, the ALF is a valuable space to learn from peers across the country. Hearing about their challenges and successes allows him to “file away” advocacy strategies that he can bring back to his own state and region. As his understanding of advocacy has grown over the years, he has embraced a proactive mindset, always looking for ways to push the needle and change the narrative around music education.

Thank you, James, for your dedication to the ALF and to NAfME as a whole. We’re proud to advocate alongside you! 🎶

Learn more about the ALF: bit.ly/AdvocacyLeadershipForce

08/18/2026

🎶 Middle School Choral Directors—please save the dates! 🎶

Meredith College will offer two free Middle School Honors Chorus Preparation Workshops this fall to support students and teachers preparing for the NC Honors Chorus audition process.

📚 Teaching Workshop
🗓 August 29, 2026
🕐 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 Meredith College

🎤 Audition Workshop
🗓 September 19, 2026
🕐 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 Meredith College

Registration will be limited and opens soon—watch for additional details and registration information.

We’re excited to support your singers throughout Honors Chorus season!

08/17/2026

The NCMEA Research Committee invites submissions for research posters and student research lightning talks at the 2026 NCMEA Professional Development Conference, November 7–10 in Winston-Salem, NC.

We welcome completed or in-progress research related to music teaching and learning. Topics connected to social justice, the conference theme, or North Carolina’s music education history may receive special consideration.

Student Lightning Talks: Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students may present a 5–8 minute PechaKucha-style overview of current or recently completed research, followed by feedback and discussion.

Research Posters: Present your work through a traditional poster or alternative visual format during a dedicated conference session.

📅 Submission deadline: September 14 at 11:59 p.m. EDT �
📬 Acceptance notifications: September 30 �
📧 Questions? [email protected]

08/17/2026

The 2026 Young Professionals Symposium

A Two Day Symposium for High School Students Interested in the Music Education Profession�Sunday, November 8 – Monday, November 9, 2026

The Young Professionals Symposium has a history of providing high school music students interested in Music Education specifically tailored sessions and experiences.

Join us for a two-day symposium designed for 11th and 12th grade students who are passionate about music and exploring careers in the field—especially music education. Connect with college faculty, current students, and music professionals through interactive sessions, hands-on experiences, and inspiring performances. Take the first step toward turning your passion for music into your future!

https://buff.ly/TruUNu3

08/17/2026

Episode 36: Mentorship, Music Publishing & Mastering the Beat with Matt Edwards

This week, we’re joined by Matt Edwards, NCMEA Mentoring Committee Chair and retired high school band director. Matt taught for 29 years, including 23 years at Fuquay-Varina High School, and is now in his 13th season leading the nine-time North American Brass Band Champion Triangle Youth Brass Band.

We talk about:
• How NCMEA’s mentoring program works—and how to get involved
• The lasting influence of Matt’s mentor, John Enloe
• His work as a music-publishing copy editor
• A simple “numbers game” for strengthening ensemble pulse and subdivision

A great conversation about teaching, mentorship, and the many paths a life in music can take.

Apple Podcasts
https://buff.ly/u2ZMc6n

Spotify Podcasts
https://buff.ly/1LPPfj1

08/17/2026

Early-career teachers: are you ready for a classroom full of students?
Veteran teachers: are you interested in mentoring an early-career teacher this year?

We encourage you to attend the 2026 Mentoring Kickoff. Network with motivated peers, explore best practices from experienced teachers, and participate in Q&A to help you prepare for a successful start to your school year.

For veteran teachers, we offer a “Mentoring 101” session to explore best practices in mentoring younger teachers.

For early-career teachers, topics include classroom management, working with admin, recruiting, and open-ended Q&A with experienced music educators.

The Mentoring Kickoff is Tuesday, August 18th from 7 - 8:30 PM. Register at tinyurl.com/o29s1px.