2026 Maine Music Educators Association Conference

Ideas on how to advocate for music within the building, and at district, state, and national levels. This presentation will start with information and then move into discussion around your questions and challenges.

The root of equity is access. Traditionally, we view “access” as it would be outlined by legal definitions such as the ADA. What does it look like when we go beyond the basics and consider accessibility as an invitation to participate? This session explores real scenarios that you won’t find in music education texts, and offers solutions that foster a truly invitational atmosphere in your program and performances. Edwards will provide a practitioner perspective while Frazier will offer insights as a student who lives with a disability. Resources will be provided.

Tired of spending hours creating Google Calendar events? Let AI do the heavy lifting! In this session, you'll discover how to slash your calendar setup time in half with a simple, AI-powered Google Sheets template. Imagine creating hundreds of calendar events and invites in just a few quick, easy steps.
Whether you are creating a music events calendar, a lessons calendar, or a school visit calendar, all your needs can be met through this useful tool.
Through this interactive session, feel equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to revolutionize your workflow. (Please bring your laptop if possible)

Do you ever feel intimidated by sound systems? Every have trouble with feedback or getting microphones to sound great? Ever end up with a terrible hum in your PA system? This session will cover the basics of using a sound system- microphones, mixers, and speakers. You will learn how to correctly set up a system in order to avoid feedback. You will learn how to EQ a microphone to get the best audio quality. You will learn about correct speaker placement for main and monitor speakers. This session will begin by addressing the concerns of those in attendance. Come learn how to be at ease around audio equipment!

Music educators know that music programs can create life-changing positive experiences for students where they gain skills that can last through adulthood. But, we don't always know how to share about the power of music in terms that families, administrators, and other decision makers understand. In this session, you will learn about the four building blocks of HOPE: Relationships, Environments, Engagement, and Emotional Growth. The HOPE framework provides evidence based practice that is the “now what” to adverse childhood experiences. HOPE helps us understand and communicate to decision makers the power of HOPE in music education.

Explore the key attributes of a first-class music educator, asking whether content or context is more important, if cognitive or affective is primary in communication, and whether knowledge or wisdom is the key ingredient. Lautzenheiser will spotlight qualities certain to stimulate the joy of inspired mentorship. Be part of a clinic that will remind you why you chose to be a music educator in the first place!

Families play a critical role in supporting their child’s musical journey. When families feel welcomed and involved, students feel supported and music programs build community. Family involvement extends beyond attending concerts; it includes participatory events, learning showcases, and leadership opportunities that invite them into the learning process.
Join us for a conversation on meaningful ways to involve families throughout the school year. Families, administrators, and students will share how engagement can positively impact a program’s culture.
Participants will receive ready-made templates and timelines for easy-to-execute family engagement events that can be tailored to any grade span or music content area.

Discover how Hookpad and Hooktheory Classroom can transform songwriting instruction for your learners. This session explores practical, tech-friendly strategies for teaching melody, harmony, and form using Hookpad’s intuitive, browser-based tools. Attendees will learn how to set up classes, create assessments, guide students through compositional tasks, and integrate music theory concepts seamlessly into creative projects. Real classroom examples and workflow demonstrations will help educators bring accessible, engaging songwriting experiences to all students—no prior compositional background required. Perfect for general music, theory classes, digital music production classes, or your exceptional students in need of a creative challenge.