On June 4, 2024, the National
Association for Music Education (NAfME) welcomed the 2024–2026
National President, Deborah A.
Confredo, as she begins her term. Deborah A. Confredo, Professor of Music
Education at Temple University
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), is a
44-year veteran music educator.
HERNDON,
Va., July 9, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On
June 4, 2024, the National
Association for Music Education (NAfME) welcomed the 2024–2026
National President, Deborah A.
Confredo, as she begins her term. Deborah A. Confredo, Professor of Music
Education at Temple University
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), is a
44-year veteran music educator, a past Chair of the NAfME Society
for Research in Music Education; Immediate Past Chair of the NAfME
Music Teacher Profession Initiative (now the Music Teacher
Profession Advisory Committee, or MTPAC), and co-author of A
Blueprint for Strengthening the Music Teacher Profession.
As advocates, we intentionally,
systematically, and publicly support music education because it is
that important. In all we do, we shine light on music's value in
the lives of all people and especially children.
In remarks to NAfME leadership and membership, she stated,
"Every day we put on our teacher hats, we automatically pledge
ourselves as fierce advocates. As advocates, we intentionally,
systematically, and publicly support music education because it is
that important. In all we do, we shine light on music's value in
the lives of all people and especially children.
"As advocates for music teaching and learning, we are committed
to:
- Elevating the voices of new and novice teachers and continuing
our support of veteran music educators;
- Furthering our commitment to state music education associations
(MEAs) not just in words but in deeds;
- Fortifying relationships with our current partners who are
committed to advancing music teaching and learning:
- Developing relationships with new partners—in business,
non-profits, community members and leaders, family members,
administrators and other educators—who are equally enthusiastic
about our cause;
- Furthering the focus of performance and engagement at all
levels of participation, for all who participate in music
learning
"This next chapter in NAfME's book will focus on music program
sustainability that goes beyond simply keeping the lights on but
getting them to burn more brightly and longer," Confredo stated.
"We will look to improve structures to work more efficiently and
effectively on behalf of all members. Interactions with and work on
behalf of the leadership and members of state MEA affiliates are
critical; they are the very essence of this association. We will
continue to champion and advocate for large ensemble participation,
while bringing that same level of support for additional meaningful
and parallel musical experiences to broaden our reach. NAfME will
continue to promote the unquestionable significance of systematic
musical experiences in elementary and early childhood settings. We
will look to create inviting and unfettered paths to our
profession, which can be traveled by prospective music educators
who, until now, may have felt disenfranchised. We will work
tirelessly addressing the needs and concerns of music educators to
inform and advance the profession. NAfME is committed to answering
difficult questions through systematic, rigorous research, crafting
our approaches to music teaching and learning to reflect the needs
of all students, and cultivating the power of partnerships, knowing
that, together with our associates, we can act more productively to
bring about evolution in music education."
About preservice and new music educators, Confredo urged, "Their
voices must be strong in our collective as they are shaping the
next steps in our musical world. They are, as an artist's palette,
alive with many unique colors, considerable cultural blending and
differentiated abilities; they must have a seat at the table. We do
this by daring to advance an agenda of reflection and revision in
our music teacher preparation curriculum nationwide and recast the
criteria for prospective music education majors."
"The work is formidable, but this body is energized, driven, and
powerful. And serving all must be our goal," Confredo continued.
"My vision for NAfME is this: to serve as a caring, collaborative
collective. We must be open to divergent thinking, act to bring
people together, solidify our mission, and serve to curate,
consolidate, and systematically examine ideas, plans, and put them
into action."
"As a catalyst to move thought into deed, words into action,
philosophy into behavior, my belief in and service to NAfME is
unwavering," Confredo added. "I will trust as I have been trusted,
listen and act as those who came before me, and lead as I have been
led with openness, humility, confidence, and optimism."
"Every member matters," Confredo continued. "I look forward to
joining you in working to help others know that music education is
essential to human existence. We will change lives one note at a
time."
Deborah A. Confredo has taught
elementary, middle, and high school instrumental music in
New York and Pennsylvania, and has been a music teacher
educator at Illinois State University,
University of Illinois, and
Temple University. She has held
membership with the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, the
New Jersey Music Educators Association, and the Louisiana Music
Educators Association. Learn more about Deb
Confredo here.
The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is a
collaborative community that supports music educators and advocates
for equitable access to music education. The only association that
addresses all aspects of music education, NAfME, together with its
affiliated state music education associations, advocates at the
national, state, and local levels and provides resources and
opportunities for teachers, students, parents, and administrators.
Founded in 1907 and representing more than 57,000 members teaching
millions of students, NAfME advances the music education profession
and promotes lifelong experiences in music.
Follow NAfME on Facebook (facebook.com/nafme), Instagram
(instagram.com/nafme), and Twitter (twitter.com/nafme).
Media Contact
Catherina Hurlburt, National
Association for Music Education, 5713233395, catherinah@nafme.org,
https://nafme.org
Kim Henry, National Association
for Music Education, 7038604000, kimh@nafme.org,
https://nafme.org
Twitter
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SOURCE National Association for Music Education