The NYSSMA Classroom Music Committee (CMC) supports and advocates for high-quality classroom music education across New York State. We work collaboratively to strengthen classroom music programs and to support the teachers and students who bring music learning to life every day.
Our Goals
The goals of the Classroom Music Committee are to:
- Promote the importance and value of classroom music within music programs and schools throughout New York State
- Serve as a forum for sharing ideas, best practices, and innovative teaching approaches
- Coordinate and support the efforts of classroom music teachers and students statewide
- Improve the quality, scope, and effectiveness of classroom music instruction
Our Work
The NYSSMA Classroom Music Committee continually seeks to develop ideas, programs, and activities which will help teachers of classroom music improve the quality, scope and effectiveness of their instruction. The committee continually promotes the importance and value of classroom music by encouraging and supporting educators to select materials and repertoire that provide the following for their students: a mirror of themselves and learning community, a window to see other perspectives and cultures, and a door to engage in experiences beyond their own classroom. The committee strives to provide membership with the tools and resources to evaluate current classroom music repertoire in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion. (adopted as part of the NYSSMA BEDR position statement in March 2023)
We recommend the resource “Songs With a Questionable Past” to support thoughtful evaluation of existing classroom repertoire.
How the CMC Meets Its Goals
The Classroom Music Committee fulfills its mission through a variety of statewide initiatives, including:
- Exemplary classroom music sessions for Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, and High School educators at NYSSMA Conferences
- A statewide series of regional workshops and professional development opportunities
- Collaborative work with the New York State Education Department related to standards, assessment, and instructional resources
- Classroom Music PEAK Festivals and additional performance and learning opportunities for students
Get Involved
The Classroom Music Committee welcomes educators who are interested in contributing their ideas, expertise, and energy. Committee service is a meaningful way to collaborate with colleagues across the state, support classroom music education, and help shape NYSSMA initiatives.If you are interested in learning more or becoming involved, please contact the CMC Chairperson at classroom@nyssma.org