NAfME Eastern Division Conference

The NAfME Eastern Division Conference is a regional professional conference organized by the Eastern Division of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). It serves school music educators, music education researchers, university faculty, and music education students across a broad range of areas, including general music, band, choir, orchestra, music teacher education, research, and professional development.

The conference offers professional development sessions, research presentations and posters, student composition opportunities, and performances by school ensembles. The 2027 NAfME Eastern Division Conference will take place April 1–4, 2027, in Providence, Rhode Island, under the theme Sound of Hope, Waves of Change. RIMEA

For music education students, recent graduates, and early-career teachers, NAfME provides a particularly useful connection to music education within the U.S. school system. Participants can explore current approaches to classroom teaching, curriculum, student learning, ensemble instruction, teacher education, and music education research.

NAfME also connects educators through state and regional professional networks. For participants considering careers in K–12 music education, graduate study in music education, or continued professional involvement in school music, the conference provides opportunities to meet teachers, researchers, and teacher educators working in a variety of educational settings.

The NAfME Eastern Division Conference offers several forms of participation, including professional sessions, Research Proposals and Posters, the Student Composition Showcase, and performing ensembles.

General session proposals for the 2027 conference closed on July 1, 2026. Research Proposal and Poster applications remain open until December 1, 2026. Applications are submitted through the conference Cvent system. Specific abstract requirements, eligibility rules, and submission materials should be confirmed through the current conference application. RIMEA

Undergraduate and graduate music education students; school music educators; general music teachers; band, choir, and orchestra directors; university music education faculty and researchers; music teacher educators; and early-career professionals interested in U.S. school music education.