National Association for Music Education

08/26/2026

“I think music does unify us. I think that’s the universal language, as they say. ‘The voice of the soul.’”—Dolly Parton to USA TODAY in 2023

NAfME joins in celebrating the life of Dolly Parton and the light she brought into the world.

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com

08/26/2026

New music education majors and NAfME Collegiates! Register today for this Collegiate membership event coming up September 16, and invite your NAfME Collegiate chapters! Follow National Association for Music Education Collegiate for updates throughout the school year. https://www.facebook.com/nafmecollegiateofficial/posts/pfbid02WbHSCGnMWmLXH2rmRnQQVJ9cDbLHQmQpd8f33meb8hZ2VYxAsFuDVAFYnN9GXFgil

Win NAfME Collegiate branded door prizes, hear from your national leadership, and kick the year off at this year’s NAfME Collegiate Fall Membership Rally! Register at bit.ly/CollegiateFall2026Rally and join us September 16 at 8PM (ET) during Collegiate Kickoff Week and bring your chapter!

08/25/2026

Reminder: Thursday, 4PM ET/1PM PT!

Music Program Leaders: Register now for the August 27 NAfME Music Program Leaders Colloquium "The First 90 Days: Starting Strong as a Music Program Leader": https://bit.ly/MPLColl0827

About this event: Whether stepping into a first music program leadership role or returning with renewed priorities, the first 90 days can shape the direction of the work ahead. This interactive Music Program Leaders colloquium, led by Council Chair Christopher Moseley, will explore practical approaches to building trust, assessing program needs, establishing communication systems, supporting educators, and aligning priorities with organizational goals.

Participants will examine strategies for listening and learning, identifying early opportunities, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and developing sustainable systems for the year ahead. The session will also introduce ways to connect with the NAfME Council of Music Program Leaders, contribute to future programming, and remain engaged with a broader professional community throughout the year.

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

08/24/2026

Join us on September 10 for "Ready. Set. Go!," a Music IS Education webinar focused on helping music educators and advocates gear up for a successful new school year.

NAfME Past President Denese Odegaard will share practical, classroom-centered strategies to support music education in your school and community. She will be joined by Mary Dell’Erba, Assistant Director at the Arts Education Partnership, who will share insights from AEP’s new report, 'Arts Education, Durable Skills and Workforce Success,' and explore how music education builds the durable skills students need for life and work. Register today and invite colleagues: https://streamyard.com/watch/ac94WiepxfYB

View past Music IS Education webinars: https://www.musiciseducation.org/webinars/

08/24/2026

"When it feels like every day brings a new attack on educators and music education, turn to these talking points and tips," writes NAfME member Elizabeth Rusch Fetters.

🔷 You are the professional. You went to school for years and practiced your instrument so that you could be an artist who teaches.

🔷 We are experts in our field. Most teachers have advanced degrees. It’s okay to speak with authority on the subject in which you are the expert: teaching students music.

🔷 We are eternally teachers, in and out of the classroom. Take the opportunity to educate parents, students, community members, and administrators about what we do.

Read "The Invaluable Role of Music Educators in the Education Profession":

Remember Your Why

08/22/2026

Did you know? NAfME members save 30% off copublished books from Bloomsbury U.S.! https://nafme.org/resource/nafme-books/

Titles include:

📕Engaging Musical Practices for Elementary General Music

📘Differentiation in Music Education

📗The Music and Literacy Connection

📙Quick Reference Guide for Band Directors Who Teach Jazz

📖Music Learning and Development

📚Getting Started with Middle School Chorus

And many more!

08/21/2026

🕦 New blog: "The First Five Minutes Matter More Than You Think" by NAfME member Kathleen Melago: https://nafme.org/blog/the-first-five-minutes-matter-more-than-you-think/ This post includes tips for welcoming students to lessons with suggestions that impact the first five minutes of lessons to get them off to a great start. It’s perfect for back-to-school!

Building Trust with New Students

08/21/2026

🎉 Registration is NOW OPEN for the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA)'s 2026-2027 Conferences!

You have two to choose from. The first is the 2026 Fall In-Service Conference in Frederick, Maryland, on Friday, October 16, 2026. The second is the 2027 Annual State Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, on February 5-7, 2027.

MMEA/NAfME members can take advantage of the Early Bird Double Conference Registration Package and save when you register for both conferences by October 7, 2026.

Don't miss these two incredible opportunities for professional learning, networking, inspiration, and celebrating music education.

Register today at https://www.mdmea.org/mmea-conferences

Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA)

08/20/2026

Check your inbox for the latest edition of NAfME Notes! Learn about how you can make an impact for music education; find out about a resource to empower you when music education cuts are proposed; meet the NAfME Senior Researcher Award recipient; starting strong as a music program leader; relevant professional learning opportunities; organization tips; what modern band really is; and much more! Music educators, subscribe today: bit.ly/NAfMESubscribe