Music Program Leaders

Music Program Leaders Annual Convening November 17th, 2025 at Worcester Area Mission Society

"United through Harmony"

Information to register for the Future Music Educators Summit and Music Program Leaders Summit is now open.

Last year over 50 high school students and 25 music program leaders (arts administrators) came together for a day of sharing, workshops, and wonderful keynotes as we continue to provide insight and pathways into this incredible profession of music education.

This year's event will take place on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 9:00am at the Worcester Area Mission Society in Worcester, MA.

We also welcome nationally acclaimed music educator and speaker of leadership, Cameron W. Jenkins as this year's keynote speaker!

Click here for the Music Program Leaders Summit Registration Form.

Any colleges that would like to participate by having a table present and also providing workshops to our participants, please reach out to Jared Cassedy - president@massmea.org

For questions about the Music Program Leader Summit, please email Lisa Leach at adminrep@massmea.org

About the MMEA Music Program Leaders

The purpose of bringing music program leaders together is to foster collaboration, share best practices, address common challenges, and promote the overall growth and improvement of music education within their respective school districts. These gatherings serve as opportunities for administrators to network, exchange ideas, and learn from each other's experiences, which ultimately contributes to enhancing the quality of music education programs for students. Key objectives for these meetings might include:

Sharing Best Practices: Administrators can showcase successful strategies, teaching methods, and curriculum design that have yielded positive results in their music programs. This exchange of ideas can inspire others to implement similar practices in their schools.
Professional Development: Workshops, seminars, and presentations led by experts in music education can provide administrators with new insights, techniques, and resources to enrich their programs and teaching approaches.
Problem Solving: Collaborative discussions allow administrators to address common challenges they face in their music departments, such as budget constraints, scheduling conflicts, recruitment and retention of students, and ensuring inclusivity in music education.
Curriculum Alignment: By discussing curriculum development and alignment with state and national standards, administrators can ensure that their music programs are providing a comprehensive and high-quality education to students.
Advocacy and Outreach: Through collective efforts, administrators can devise strategies to advocate for the importance of music education to school boards, parents, and the community. They can also brainstorm ways to engage with stakeholders and showcase the positive impacts of their programs.
Resource Sharing: Administrators can share teaching materials, lesson plans, and assessment tools, which can save time and effort in curriculum development and enhance the overall quality of teaching.
Technology Integration: Discussions about integrating technology into music education can help administrators stay updated on innovative tools and platforms that can enhance learning experiences for students.
Student Performance Opportunities: Collaborative planning of events, concerts, competitions, and other performance opportunities can ensure that students receive well-rounded experiences that showcase their talents.
Mentorship and Support: Seasoned administrators can offer guidance and support to those who are newer to their roles, helping them navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
Long-Term Planning: By sharing their visions for the future of music education, administrators can contribute to the development of long-term goals, policies, and strategies that will shape the direction of their departments.

In summary, bringing music program leaders together serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, professional growth, and collective efforts to elevate the standards and impact of music education in schools. It reinforces the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement to provide students with meaningful and enriching music experiences.

Music Program Leaders