CMS National Conference

The CMS National Conference is a national professional conference organized by The College Music Society, with a particular focus on higher music education and the work of college and university music programs. Its scope includes music education, performance, composition, music theory, musicology, pedagogy, technology, and professional development. Research presentations, lecture-recitals, performances, panels, workshops, and other formats support exchange across different areas of the music profession.

For students and emerging scholars who are considering graduate study, college-level teaching, or music research, the CMS National Conference provides a valuable view of current developments in higher music education and academic work. Participants can become familiar with the research questions, teaching practices, and professional priorities currently being explored by faculty and researchers at different institutions. The conference also helps students understand how a professional academic community operates, including the organization of research, proposal submission, conference presentation, collegial exchange, and public dissemination of scholarly or creative work. These experiences are particularly relevant for those preparing for graduate study or an academic career.

The CMS National Conference offers a broad range of participation formats, which may include research papers, lecture-recitals, performances, panels, workshops, posters, and opportunities designed for students and emerging scholars. These formats can accommodate research, teaching, performance, creative work, and interdisciplinary projects, providing multiple pathways for students to develop coursework, degree projects, or other professional work into conference presentations. Specific categories, student opportunities, eligibility requirements, and deadlines should be confirmed in the current Calls for Program Participation.

Undergraduate and graduate music students; DMA and PhD students; college and university music faculty; emerging scholars; and professionals interested in higher music education, research, performance, composition, and interdisciplinary music studies.