Music to Co-Host Second Annual 'Teach Music' Conference

The Department of Music in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and the UARK Collegiate Chapter of the National Association for Music Education are excited to host the second Northwest Arkansas Teach Music Conference April 13-14.

This event will bring area music educators, music education students, and prospective UAMusic students together to learn, share and reflect on music education today.

Daniel Abrahams, assistant professor of music education and organizer of the conference, said, "The conference is intended to provide quality professional development that is musical and create a supportive learning community between in-service music teachers and our pre-service music education majors."

The conference will begin the evening of Friday, April 13, with a workshop titled "Creating Conscious Choral Cultures" by Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy, Director of Choral Activities at James Madison University. The evening continues with workshops on instrument repair, Alexander Technique, and a 'ukulele jam.

Saturday begins with a workshop called "Teaching Music to Children with Special Needs" by Alice Hammel, visiting professor of music. Hammel is a known pedagogue in music education and a respected author and advocate for children with special needs. Hammel is the co-author of two texts: Teaching Music to Student with Special Needs: A Label-free Approach and Winding It Back: Teaching to Individuals Differences in Music Classroom and Ensemble Settings. Her residency also coincides with additional talks in the Department of Music as well as a special topics course in music education.

General sessions are planned after the morning workshop. Three UAMusic faculty members will give presentations. Jeffrey Murdock will present in the 12:15 p.m. session block, and Chris Knighten and Stephen Caldwell will speak in the 1:30 p.m. block presenting resources for effective ensemble rehearsal techniques.

Several Northwest Arkansas music educators will also give presentations. Nathan Olson of Springdale will present "Teaching Jr. High Boys in Choir" as well as Christy Paxton of NWA Suzuki presenting "Teaching within a Private Studio" during the 12:15 p.m. block. Kelly Pope of Bentonville will present "Transition Activities for the Elementary Music Classroom" during the 1:30 p.m. block.

"The conference will showcase the high quality of music teaching happening within the public schools of Northwest Arkansas by providing an opportunity for local music educators to share their expertise with other music teachers, students, and supporters of music education," Abrahams said.

The conference will conclude with two sessions presented by Denese Odegaard, who currently serves as president of the National Association for Music Education and is the Fargo, North Dakota Public Schools performing arts curriculum specialist. She will present "Examining Your First Job through the Lens of Preparation and Interview," at 2:45 p.m. and "Advocacy: Working with Administrators" at 3:30 p.m.

Participants in the conference are eligible to receive 9.5 professional development hours from the Arkansas Department of Education. All sessions are free and open to interested attendees, but registration is required.

Visit fulbright.uark.edu/teachmusic for more information and details on registration.