2026 NAfME Council of Music Program Leaders Forum

SAVE THE DATE

2026 NAfME Council of Music Program Leaders Forum

“From Budget to Brilliance: Building Strong Music Programs”

The NAfME Council of Music Program Leaders is excited to announce the 2026 NAfME Music Program Leaders Forum will be held in Phoenix/Mesa, Arizona, from January 28-29, in conjunction with the Arizona’s Music Education Association Conference.

The NAfME Music Program Leaders Forum will provide a space for music program leaders to network and discuss ideas to help them support the music programs in their own district. Participants will gain valuable knowledge and insight on a variety of topics of interest to music program leaders.

The Music Program Leaders Forum will:

1. Offer administrator/leadership-oriented sessions
2. Support and advance diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging (DEIAB) at all levels in the field of music education
3. Share innovative ideas that are helpful to music program leaders/fine arts coordinators in their roles of leading music/arts programs to success
4. Foster interaction and interdisciplinary connections across NAfME’s vibrant network of communities, affiliates, councils, and societies

Schedule Overview:

• January 28-29, 2026: Music Program Leaders Forum
  • January 28:  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • January 29:  9 a.m. – 12:00 pm followed by an optional visit to the Musical Instrument Museum
• January 30-31, 2026: Arizona Music Educators Association Conference (forum participants will be offered a discounted rate to the AMEA Conference if they would like to attend).

*The forum is geared towards music program leaders/fine arts coordinators and anyone who is interested in a leadership position related to music program administration.

Proposal Submissions Acceptance Notices: Monday, December 8, 2025