U of A Hosts Ninth Annual TEACH ME: Music Education Conference

The U of A Department of Music invites all music educators, students and music enthusiasts to participate in the ninth annual TEACH ME: Music Education Conference, hosted by the U of A National Association for Music Education's Collegiate Chapter and the Arkansas Music Educators Association. This partnership officially establishes TEACH ME as a statewide music education conference, offering a unique opportunity for music education students and teachers to engage in professional development. The event will take place April 11-12 at the U of A Epley Band Building. 

The TEACH ME Conference will feature a diverse array of workshops and lectures aimed at enhancing music education practices. A major highlight of this year's event is the presence of NAfME President Deb Confredo. Confredo, a professor at Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance, is a renowned expert in instrumental music education, assessment and research. A prolific author and editor, she has published extensively in top music education journals and co-authored several influential texts. In addition to her academic achievements, Confredo is an active performer in the jazz fusion band West River Drive.

Daniel Abrahams, associate professor of music education and conference organizer, emphasized the importance of Confredo's presence: "Having the president of the National Association for Music Education at TEACH ME underscores the conference's growing national relevance and its role in shaping the future of music education." 

Alice Hammel, a visiting music lecturer at the U of A and a nationally recognized music educator, will present two workshops at the conference. On Friday, she will lead "How Do Different Learners Experience Music," exploring diverse learning styles in music education. On Saturday, she will present "Creative Movement: Assessing Students Through Kinesthetic Experiences," which focuses on assessing students through physical engagement with music. Hammel is a respected author and advocate for students with differences and disabilities. Her published works include Teaching Music to Students with Special Needs: A Label-Free Approach and Winding It Back: Teaching to Individual Differences in Music Classroom and Ensemble Settings. 

Another key feature of the conference is a series of Modern Band workshops led by Scott Burstein. Modern Band is a forward-thinking approach to music education that embraces contemporary styles like rock, pop, hip-hop and electronic music. Unlike traditional ensembles, this method emphasizes by-ear learning, chord charts and technology, using instruments such as guitars, bass, keyboards and digital tools. This student-centered model prioritizes creativity, accessibility and personal expression, helping students build confidence through songwriting, improvisation and performance. 

Abrahams highlights the significance of Modern Band. "With its focus on social-emotional learning and cultural responsiveness, Modern Band ensures all students — regardless of background or prior experience — have a voice in music-making." The Modern Band workshops are sponsored by the non-profit organization Music Will, which provides professional development, grants and resources to support implementation, making Modern Band a transformative force in music education. 

The TEACH ME Conference is designed to provide valuable professional development opportunities for music educators. Participants are eligible to receive professional development hours from the Arkansas Department of Education. All sessions are free and open to all interested attendees; however, registration is required. 

Visit cms.uark.edu/teachme for more information and to register for the event.