NYSSMA Classroom Music Conference 2025

Welcome to the NYSSMA Classroom Music Conference 2025 happening at the Nazareth University Arts Center! This conference offers a mix of traditional workshop sessions, musicianship sessions, and social gatherings for elementary music teachers. Headliner James DesJardins will present Mind Over Meter: Purposeful Movement in Elementary Music and Pieces, Processes and Imagination: Engaging Today's Young Musicians in a Rich and Active Musical Environment. Other sessions will include folk dancing, recorders, props, creative movement, and book-based lessons.

Info: In this session we will explore songs, chants, and music-making activities that support building relationships with and between our students. Be prepared to sing, dance, and create! (1 CTLE Credit)

Info: Learn how to create a book-themed week of songs and musical activities for K-5 elementary general music classes. Handouts will include lesson plans/activities, original songs in multiple tonalities, and links to printables. (1.5 CTLE Credits)

Info: Let's jam together! Connect with us at a hot Rochester spot (location TBD) for informal music making, conversation, and connection. Instruments welcome!

Info: As kids grow, they can start to feel awkward, but we still want our kids to move! Come and learn some line dances your middle school students and upper elementary students will love! (1 CTLE Credit)

Info: In this active session, we will explore various qualities of movement, how they impact the acquisition of musicianship, and how to manage movement in your own classroom. Let's get moving! Hybrid option available! (1.5 CTLE Credits)

Info: In this session, we will explore how young children learn to move and how to scaffold music instruction to support students with varying levels of movement abilities. (1.5 CTLE Credits)

Info: Learn simple ways to incorporate student creativity into recorder instruction right from the very beginning. Complimentary recorders from Peripole Music will be provided!
(1.5 CTLE Credits)

Info: Let's jam together! Connect with us at a hot Rochester spot (location TBD) for informal music making, conversation, and connection. Instruments welcome!

Info: Renew Yourself. Recharge your power. Come and make music with your colleagues for an hour.(1 CTLE Credit)

Info: Get on board for a session of active and imaginative music making! With PLAY at the center, we will be singing, dancing, chanting, playing instruments, and growing together. Hybrid option available! (1.5 CTLE Credits)

Info: This hands-on session will explore the creative use of props, including scarves, beanbags, the parachute, puppets, and more, to enhance movement, musicianship, and creativity. Learn simple strategies to maintain structure and student focus while still allowing for creativity and movement. Whether you’re new to using props or looking to refresh your toolkit, you’ll leave inspired and ready to make music move in your classroom! (1.5 CTLE Credits)

Host or Publisher NYSSMA