MENC’s Biennial Conference Sharpens Focus for 2010

The 2010 Biennial Music Educators National Conference, with a special focus on music education research and music teacher education, will be held March 25–27 in Anaheim, California.

MENC’s new forum 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.

Organizing Chair Glenn E. Nierman said of the event’s special focus, “What could be more exciting than learning about the latest research on the musical brain or discovering how technology could enhance pedagogy and assessment in general music classrooms and rehearsals at all levels?”

There also will be opportunities to brainstorm about ways to improve music teacher recruitment and retention; to discuss how to provide support for educators new to the profession; and to network with music educators from other North American countries who will be present in Anaheim for the International Society of Music Education’s (ISME’s) Regional Conference.

MENC’s Societies for Music Teacher Educationand Research in Music Education, along with the National Collegiate Advisory and Supervisors of Music Education Councils. are working together on a format that includes open forums and presentations by key national music education luminaries, as well as poster and planning sessions, Nierman said.

“The opportunities to learn, to network, and to envision a brighter future for the profession will continue to be available to all MENC members through a national conference format. MENC invites music educators at all levels—preschool through collegiate—to come and be a part of shaping this exciting future in Anaheim next March,” said Nierman, who is also MENC North Central Division President. He is a member of the Professional Development Committee appointed by MENC President Barbara L. Geer.

Submissions for conference papers and posters are due October 15. Visit 2010 Biennial Music Educators National Conference for submission rules and registration information.

--Roz Fehr, September 24, 2009. © MENC: The National Association for Music Education