/ Membership / Meet Our Members / Aaron Marshall
Candidate for 2025-2027 Northwest Division President-Elect
Aaron Marshall Biography
Aaron Marshall Resume
What do you see as the major challenges music education will face during your term and in what ways can you transform these into opportunities during your presidency?
There are several significant challenges to music education that are already happening and will continue to occur in the next couple of years. The key issues are:
- Budget Cuts and Funding Shortages: Many schools, specifically small rural schools in the Northwest, are experiencing reduced funding, leading to cuts in music programs, including instruments, materials, full programs, and teachers.
- Teacher Shortages: A lack of qualified music educators can limit program offerings and impact the quality of instruction.
- Equity and Accessibility: Music education can be excessively affected by socioeconomic inequalities, with students from disadvantaged backgrounds often having limited access to instruments, private lessons, and opportunities for musical growth. This can also be an issue in rural schools that do not have access to a qualified music educator, technology, materials, or the budget to provide a quality music education to all students.
As a leader in music education, I will be able to transform these challenges into opportunities by:
- Being a strong advocate for music education: As the president of the Northwest Division, I will have the opportunity to work with policy makers at the national and state levels, administrators, and musical communities throughout the Northwest to raise awareness of the importance of music education and its benefits for students’ overall development. I will fight to secure the funding necessary to support the music education programs in the Northwest.
- By supporting and advocating for the Tri-M® Music Honor Society and the NAfME Collegiate programs which work hand-in-hand to raise awareness and support for pre-service teachers, I will help prepare high school and collegiate students to serve as a qualified teacher who will fill the teacher shortages. There is a need to advocate for our profession and to make sure that students follow in the footsteps of their teachers, study music in college, and enter the workforce as a qualified music educator.
- Being an advocate for equity and inclusion: By working with state leaders to ensure that all K-12 students have access to quality music education regardless of their socioeconomic background by partnering with collegiate and community organizations, and having the professional development and grant writing skills taught to music educators at state conferences and at the Northwest Division Professional Development conference so that we are able to provide quality music education programs in underserved and rural areas
By addressing these challenges proactively and creatively, I will ensure that music education remains a vital part of the educational landscape and benefits the students and teachers of all backgrounds.
What do you see as the major challenges the association will face during your term and in what ways can you transform these into opportunities during your presidency?
The association will face some major challenges in the coming years, including:
- Lack of Funding and Resource Allocation: Securing adequate funding and allocating resources effectively to better serve and support NAfME’s diverse programs and initiatives can be a constant challenge.
- Diverse Membership Base: NAfME serves a diverse membership base including teachers, students, community partners, and administrators from various backgrounds and experiences. Meeting the needs and expectations of this diverse group is a constant challenge.
As a leader within NAfME, I will address these challenges and transform them into opportunities in these ways:
- Advocate, Advocate, Advocate: Advocate at the national and state level to promote the value of music education and find ways to secure funding for music programs at all levels through engaging with policymakers and decision-makers to influence education policies that support music education.
- Providing Professional Development and Resources: By supporting the State MEAs’ efforts to provide quality professional development opportunities and the resources needed for music educators. I will continue to develop and enhance the Northwest Division Professional Development conference to provide opportunities and resources for teachers. I will be an advocate for teachers to have the ability to come to the conferences so that NAfME will stay at the forefront of music education research and best practices.
How do you plan to advance equity/DEIA in NAfME during your term of office?
As a division leader in NAfME, I have the unique opportunity to be an advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, and access within the music education community. I plan to make sure that the Northwest is represented on the NAfME equity committee and make sure we have a voice at the table to help direct the changes and policy that needs to be in place for our teachers and students here in the Northwest. I would also make sure that each state’s MEA is aware of the NAfME policies and procedures to address DEIA and equity issues. This includes making them aware of the resources available to them through NAfME, ensuring each state has a representative on their boards who will address DEIA and equity issues at the state level. I will promote DEIA-focused professional development that provides opportunities for music educators to learn about best practices and encourage ongoing learning and support members in developing their knowledge and skills in DEIA. I will foster a culture of equity by creating a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. I will encourage MEAs to develop equity-focused professional development conferences to include having music from various cultures and historical periods present. Highlight the contributions of composers from marginalized groups in their honor ensembles to inspire students.
Equity Statement
As a leader in the music education profession, I believe that we must advocate for equitable access to music for all students regardless of their background, demographic, or geographic location. I believe that we must actively combat stereotypes and prejudices that will hinder the progress of students and teachers. I believe that we must create a welcoming and supportive learning environment where all students and teachers feel valued and respected. I believe that we must continuously seek out opportunities to learn about DEIA best practices and apply them to our teaching through our professional development conference. I believe that we must integrate more variety of musical styles, cultures, and historical contexts into our teaching to broaden students’ understanding. We as leaders, educators, and professionals, must lead by example to model inclusive behavior and foster a positive classroom culture that celebrates diversity. I believe that music education is for everyone, just as much as music influences the society around us, the music that we teach has a profound and lasting positive influence on the future society that we are helping to grow and develop.
Leadership Statement
As an effective leader in music education, I have a passion for music education, the ability to communicate effectively, and build relationships with all stake-holders in the music education profession to include policy makers, administrators, teachers, and students. I commit to equity and inclusion in the music education field. I am an excellent listener, a creative thinker, and innovative in my ideals and approaches to solving problems. I am resilient and flexible when working with others and I make sure everyone gets a place at the table. Before making any decision that changes policy or procedures, I make sure to hear the voice of everyone involved, gather their thoughts, and do the research necessary to make the decision that will be the best for everyone. Leadership is about surrounding yourself with others who have a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and experience to be able to make hard decisions.
