Teaching music at small schools affords unique opportunities and benefits, while also presenting specific challenges. NAfME’s Small Schools Initiative (2023-2024) identified key issues and effective strategies for networking, community building, professional learning, advocacy, and resource development to support music educators in small schools throughout the United States, primarily but not exclusively serving in rural contexts.

August 2023 Teaching Music Magazine Feature Article: Celebrating and Elevating the Small-School Experience

October 2023 Teaching Music Magazine Feature Article: You Are Not Alone! Tips for New Teachers in Small Schools

Webinar: Advocating for Federal Funds in the Small School Setting: View the recording of this October 2, 2024 NAfME virtual event

NAfME Town Hall: Perspectives on Developing a Successful Small School Music Program: View the recording of this April 10, 2024 NAfME virtual event

Embracing and Influencing Change in Small School Music Programs: A NAfME Small Schools Task Force Initiative Town Hall: View the recording of this January 17, 2024 NAFME virtual event

How to Redefine Success at a Small School: A NAfME Small Schools Task Force Town Hall: View the recording of this November 8, 2023 NAfME virtual event

NAfME Town Hall: Elevating the Small-School Music Education Experience: View the recording of this May 23, 2023 NAfME virtual event

Back to School with NAfME 2025 images of music students

Category

  • Careers
  • Program Development

Resource Type

  • Blog / Article
  • Classroom Resource
  • Town Hall
  • Webinar

School Type

Small

Year Added

2025

Virtual Symposium on Music Education and Students with Disabilities and/or Living in Poverty. Saturday, November 15, 2025. A free, virtual event for music educators
Crayola Creativity Week. Join the free celebration January 26 to February 1, 2026. Sign up now button
Get to know the 2026 NAfME National and Division President-Elect candidates