Careers

keyboard and sheet music in dimmed lighting

Preparing Musicians for Lives They Love

Preparing Musicians for Lives They Love By NAfME Member José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D.  Music educators carry a remarkable responsibility: preparing students to lead a high school band, produce professional-level tracks…

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PowerPoint slide projected on screen at professional learning session with quote by Jon Batiste that says, The artist as citizen has a golden opportunity for you to really show and utilize the full power of music to actually make impactful change in people's lives.

Prioritizing Self-Care for Music Educators

When Caring for Others Becomes Too Much Prioritizing Self-Care for Music Educators By NAfME Member José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. As the new academic year begins, music educators across the country…

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Lori Schwartz Reichl at head of room speaking with veteran educators

Inspire Educators with Mentorship and Meaning

Inspire Educators with Mentorship and Meaning By NAfME Member Lori Schwartz Reichl “Successful learning requires two things: a solution that people want to engage with and content they find meaningful.”—Greg…

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preservice music educator with percussion instrument

Faculty-Alumni Projects That Empower Students

Faculty-Alumni Projects That Empower Students By NAfME Members Dr. José Valentino Ruiz and Derris Lee As music educators and academic leaders, one of our most powerful tools for advancing student…

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Photo illustration of connection between educators

Strengthening Music Education Through Music-Focused PLCs

From Theory to Practice Strengthening Music Education Through Music-Focused PLCs By LaSaundra Belcher and Angela Schendel Keedy This article first appeared in the April 2025 issue of Teaching Music. Lessons…

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illustration of girl with hands on hips looking up at moon and constellations

Being More Than “Just a Music Educator”

Being More Than “Just a Music Educator” The Five Ps of Vocational Alignment By NAfME Member José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. Abstract In today’s convoluted educational and cultural climate, music educators…

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two women in conversation seated at a table by a window

Strike Up a Conversation

Strike Up a Conversation Experience Where the Magic Leads By NAfME Member Lori Schwartz Reichl “One good conversation can shift the direction of the change forever.”— Linda Lam On a…

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view from behind a woman peering out onto the ocean on a dark, cloudy day

Agency, Influence, and Connection in Challenging Times

Agency, Influence, and Connection in Challenging Times By NAfME Member Lisa Martin, Music Educators Journal Academic Editor This article first appeared in the March 2025 issue of Music Educators Journal.…

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elementary teacher and students in music classroom

What Should the Future of Music Education Look Like?

What Should the Future of Music Education Look Like? By Deborah A. Confredo, President, 2024-2026 This is a longer version of the article first published here by Education and Career…

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Small group of college students sitting in front of keyboards wearing headphones playing guitars

Do You Want to Major in Music?

Do You Want to Major in Music? A Guide for Prospective Music and Music Education Majors By NAfME Members Jill Wilson and Natalie Steele Royston Do You Want to Major…

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