2026 Biennial NAfME Music Research and Teacher Education Conference

The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) 2026 Biennial Music Research and Teacher Education Conference will take place September 30-October 3, 2026, at the Hilton Long Beach, in Long Beach, California. NAfME welcomes the participation of future, current, and retired music educators, music teacher educators, administrators, and community and corporate partners who are passionate about the critical role of music education for all. All research topics are welcome including, but not limited to, those related to NAfME’s Mission, Vision, Belief Statement and Strategic Plan and A Blueprint for Strengthening the Music Teacher Profession. Attendees will benefit from current research, policy discourse, and dialogue concerning the human experience in music teaching and learning.

NEW! Submit a proposal for the conference. Online submissions are now open. The submission deadline is noted below. Visit the Call for Research Proposals web page to learn key details and access the link to submit a proposal. Please note the following important dates:

• August 13, 2025 – Call for submissions distributed
• January 19, 2026 – Online submissions open
• February 23, 2026 – Submissions deadline

Bookmark this web page for regular updates. More information on registration and booking your room at the Hilton Long Beach is coming soon!

The Hilton Long Beach is located at 701 W. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, California, 90831. The hotel is located within walking distance of a great number and variety of restaurants and attractions (including the Waterfront and Beach, The Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and The Pike Outlets). It is easily accessible from three airports, including by Uber/Lyft: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX – 30 minutes); John Wayne Airport, in Orange County (SNA – 40 minutes); and Long Beach Airport (LGB – 15 minutes).

2026 Biennial Music Research and Teacher Education Conference Planning Committee

• Cecil Adderley, NAfME President and Conference Chair
• Scott Sheehan, NAfME Immediate Past President
• James Daugherty, Immediate Past President, Southern Division; NAfME NEB Executive Committee Member
• Carlos Abril, Music Teacher Profession Advisory Committee Co-Chair
• SRME Conference Co-Chairs
  • Phillip Hash, SRME Chair
  • Kelly Parkes, SRME Chair-Elect
  • Jessica Nápoles, SRME Conference Coordinator
• SMTE Conference Co-Chairs
  • Ann Marie Stanley, SMTE Chair
  • Tami Draves, SMTE Chair-Elect
  • Brian Weidner, SMTE Conference Chair
• Western Division and California MEA Representatives
  • Scott Hedgecock, Western Division Immediate Past President
  • Chad Zullinger, California MEA President

Staff Liaison: John Donaldson – johnd@nafme.org

Hilton Long Beach

The Hilton Long Beach is located at 701 W. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, California, 90831. The hotel is located within walking distance of a great number and variety of restaurants and attractions (including the Waterfront and Beach, The Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and The Pike Outlets). It is easily accessible from three airports, including by Uber/Lyft: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX – 30 minutes); John Wayne Airport, in Orange County (SNA – 40 minutes); and Long Beach Airport (LGB – 15 minutes).