Challenge by Choice: Getting Started with Centers in the General Music Classroom

Curious about music centers but not sure where to start? This interactive session introduces practical, inclusive strategies for designing and managing engaging, student-centered music centers that foster creativity, independence, and collaboration within the general music setting. Participants will explore how centers can authentically support differentiation, accessibility, and culturally responsive teaching while making assessment more meaningful. Participants will discover ways to adapt activities for diverse learners and classroom settings. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use resources and activity ideas that they can implement immediately in their classrooms.

Erin Zaffini is Assistant Dean of Teacher Education at the Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She directs Longy’s fully online Master of Music Education, post-master’s Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, and all online continuing education. Erin is a collaborator for Carnegie Hall’s Music Educators Workshop and a contributor to Music ConstructED and F-flat Books, providing professional development and developing resources that promote culturally responsive, accessible, and equitable music teaching. She has collaborated with educators and organizations worldwide, including work with the United Nations to expand inclusive arts education. A published national leader in mentoring, Erin has designed and implemented numerous music educator mentoring programs across the country through her work with NAfME, SMTE, state music education associations and departments of education.

NAfME presents this live virtual event at no charge to all as a service to the music education profession. To register, you must enter your NAfME member information or create a nonmember account. After registering, check your email for instructions. A recording of this program will be available to all registrants for one week following the live event. Members can also view archived NAfME webinars in the NAfME Academy.

The views expressed are those of the presenter; they do not necessarily reflect the views of NAfME.