OVERVIEW
The NAfME Biennial Music Educators National Conference provides a forum to share current research and pedagogical innovations that could shape the future of the profession. The most recent conference was March 29–31, 2012, in St. Louis, Missouri, with preconference meetings on March 28.
The conference has a special focus on research in music education and on music teacher education. It is aimed at music education researchers, music teacher educators, college students, and PreK–12 teachers interested in the cutting edge research and pedagogical innovations that will shape the future of the profession.
Research Poster Session
Conference chair Glenn Nierman said he believes sessions at the Biennial “likely will explore the latest musical brain research, information on how technology could enhance pedagogy and assessment in general music classrooms and rehearsals at all levels.”
He added, "There will certainly be opportunities to brainstorm about ways to improve music teacher recruitment and retention, and to discuss how to provide support for educators new to the profession. It also will be an opportunity for music educators from different disciplines to network."
2012 RECAP
2012 Biennial Music Educators National Conference Opens in St. Louis
SCHEDULE
LOCATION
The 2012 Biennial took place in St. Louis, Missouri at historic Union Station. A National Historic Landmark, Union Station was built as a passenger train terminal in the 1890s and was converted in the early 1980s into a hotel, shopping center, and entertainment complex. The architecture of St. Louis Union Station is an eclectic mix of Romanesque styles. The grandiose station was modeled after Carcassonne, a walled, medieval city in southwestern France.
Union Station
HOTEL
The headquarter hotel was the St. Louis Union Station Marriott, located in Union Station.
Marriott Grand Hall
THINGS TO DO IN ST. LOUIS
According to the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Bureau, there are more free world class attractions than anywhere outside of Washington, DC including the Saint Louis Zoo, a variety of museums, the Saint Louis Science Center, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery to name a few. Zagat’s “Best in America” rating has gone to the Magic House, Children’s Museum, Zoo, and Grant’s Animal Farm. The Missouri Botanical Garden is rated among the top three in the world. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the 630 ft. Gateway Arch, see a documentary film, experience a giant screen movie, and visit the Museum of Westward Expansion. MetroLink goes from Union Station to all major attractions.
Gateway Arch
TRAVEL
Lambert-St. Louis Int'l Airport (STL)
By Air – Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) is 14.8 miles west of the hotel. The hotel does not provide shuttle service. To get from STL to the hotel, transportation is available via:
- Light Rail: Take St. Louis MetroLink from STL straight to Union Station, the fare is $3.50 one way.
- Go Best Express: Shuttle fare is $21 one way. Make your reservations online at www.gobestexpress.com.
- Taxi: The estimated taxi fare is $45 one way.
By Train – Amtrak comes right into Union Station.
By Bus – The Greyhound station is 1.4 miles each of Union Station.
By Car – From Lambert Int’l Airport (STL)/East: Take 70 East. Exit Memorial Drive East. Turn right at 3rd light (Market). Stay on Market until 18th Street. Hotel on left.
From Airport/West: Take 70 East to 170 South to 40 East. Exit at 20th at chestnut. Turn right at the light (20th). Turn left at the next light (Market). Hotel on right.
From North: Exit Truman Parkway, follow to Market St. Make left at Market. Hotel on left.
Parking – Conference attendees receive a discounted rate of $12 per day for valet parking at St. Louis Marriott Union Station.
WEATHER
At the end of March in St. Louis, one can expect highs in the low 60s, and lows around 40 degrees. It is strongly encouraged to dress in layers for both indoor and outdoor comfort.
Gateway Arch
FUTURE DATES
April 10-12, 2014
St. Louis Marriott Union Station
St. Louis, MO