NJMEA Recap: Focusing on Preschool through Grade 8!
Presenting four sessions at NJMEA!
This past week, I had the pleasure of presenting four sessions at the New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) conference, and I wanted to share some highlights and resources that might be useful for you.
My Sessions at NJMEA
I presented four different sessions this year, each packed with practical ideas, resources, and strategies for enhancing our elementary music classrooms.
Free Internet Tech Resources for the Elementary Music Teacher
This session focused on providing free, high-quality tech tools that can help transform your music classroom. From websites to apps, there are so many resources available at no cost or freemium (free with limited access unless you subscribe) that can support your teaching and engage students in meaningful ways. If you missed it, you can find a comprehensive list of resources and links on my website, amymburns.com, and on my Wakelet page.Help! PK and K Music Classes Have Been Added to My Schedule
If you've ever been thrown into teaching PK or K music classes and felt a little overwhelmed, this session was for you. One resource I shared was a steady beat Play-Along video for Ella Fitzgerald’s version of Old MacDonald Had a Farm, which you can use to help young children engage with the steady beat in a fun, musical way. You can watch the video here.
Additionally, I shared manipulatives that go along with the video, which can be found on my Buy Me a Coffee page under “Manipulatives for 11 Play-Along Videos.” These resources help make those early music experiences fun and memorable.Rock-Solid Beginnings in Elementary Music Technology
If you're just starting to incorporate technology into your elementary music classroom, this session offered tips and tools for setting a strong foundation. We covered everything from simple tech tools to integrate into your curriculum to strategies for making sure technology enhances, rather than distracts from, student learning. I also featured the MusicFirst Elementary Curriculum, a spiraled, age-appropriate, researched, flexible K-5 curriculum with seven creative tools, supplementary activities, student logins, intuitive customized lessons, and more! Check out this curriculum that promotes active music-making and creativity with a 30-day free trial found here.Creative Music Apps for Elementary Music Class
There are so many apps out there for teaching music to young students, and I’m always on the lookout for new ways to integrate them. In this session, I shared creative music apps that can be used for everything from rhythm activities to composition exercises. These apps can bring a new level of engagement and creativity into your classroom. I also featured the seven creative tools found in MusicFirst Elementary, including the only digital audio workstation (DAW) that is web-based and can score movies (YuStudio).
You can find all the resources from these sessions on my website and my Wakelet page., so feel free to explore and implement these ideas in your classroom!
Featured Presenters at the Elementary Academy
One of the highlights of the NJMEA conference was the opportunity to learn from some incredible educators in the field of elementary music. NJMEA offers academies at the beginning of the conference with featured presenters. Our Elementary Academy has featured Franklin Willis, Cristi Cary Miller, David Rowe, Artie Almeida, Denise Gagne, and many more. This year, we featured Stephanie Leavell and Dr. Missy Strong.
Stephanie Leavell
Stephanie is an award-winning songwriter, music therapist, and creator of Music for Kiddos, an online platform that offers resources for music therapists, music educators, and parents. She presented two fantastic sessions that resonated with all who attended:Move It, Move It! – This session focused on using movement songs strategically for classroom management. Stephanie shared how structured movement can improve engagement, well-being, and academic performance. It was an inspiring reminder of how powerful movement is in supporting kids’ learning.
Feel the Beat: Creative Rhythm Resources for Early Elementary Music – Stephanie’s session on creative rhythm activities was a great resource for introducing young children to the joys of rhythm through fun songs and activities.
Dr. Missy Strong
Dr. Strong, a distinguished educator and researcher in early childhood music development, also presented two captivating sessions:More Modern Music in the Elementary General Classroom – This session explored the power of groove and how it can support learning. We learned engaging activities that involved rhythm and movement to energize students and promote a sense of community and joy.
“Be Musical”: How Two Words Revolutionized Engagement and Community in My Classroom – Dr. Strong shared how the phrase "Be Musical" helped create a positive, inclusive classroom culture. Her research-backed insights were a game-changer for anyone looking to foster a community of musicians who are engaged and excited to learn.
A Special Treat: Lillie Feierabend
In addition to these sessions, we had the privilege of hearing from Lillie Feierabend, who presented two outstanding sessions. She is a respected voice in elementary music education, and her sessions were packed with energy and valuable strategies for fostering musical development in young students.
A Year to Remember
The NJMEA Elementary Academy and Conference was an absolute success, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it. The sessions, the energy, and the networking opportunities were all incredible. The event was a reminder of just how important our work as music educators is, and how many wonderful resources are available to help us succeed.
If you couldn’t make it this year, I highly recommend joining us next year in Atlantic City, February 19-21, 2026. The NJMEA conference is an amazing opportunity for professional development, collaboration, and inspiration.
A Tribute to Denise Gagne
I know that many of us were greatly saddened by the sudden news of the passing of Denise Gagne in 2024. I spoke to her right before our 2024 conference and prayed that she could beat her illness.
Over the past year, NJMEA Tempo has highlighted the MusicFirst Elementary, Essential Elementary Music Class, and Quaver Music curriculum. In May’s edition of NJMEA Tempo, we will feature an overview of MusicPlay Online written by Denise’s daughter Stacy. In this article, we are also featuring memories we have of Denise. If you would like to contribute a memory, please fill out this form before March 10. Thank you.
One last thought…
I’ll leave you with one last thought: we are constantly learning, growing, and discovering new ways to make our classrooms more exciting, engaging, and impactful. Let’s keep sharing, collaborating, and supporting one another on this wonderful journey of music education!
Until next time, happy teaching!
Amy Burns
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