The Midwest Clinic returns to McCormick Place West in Chicago, Illinois for the 79th annual edition of the country’s largest gathering for music educators and industry professionals. Over 18,000 attendees are expected this December for three days of learning, performance, and networking. 120 clinics and 50 performances will be offered, alongside 400-plus exhibits. View the full event schedule here.
New and featured events at this year’s Clinic include:
Expanded offerings in the Emerging Music Educator (EME) Program, including double the clinics, the popular keynote address offered by Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, and the new Music Mentors RoundTables, in partnership with NAMM. Designed for those in college and the first 5 years of their professional career, the EME program offers opportunities to help bridge the gap between graduation and a career in music education.
The Music Mentors RoundTable is a fast-paced, speed-networking style event with master music educators, administrators, and industry professionals. Participants can select a track – music education, administration, or music industry – based on their career goals and interests. There is no additional cost for this program for Midwest Clinic attendees, but this program is only open to those in college or in their first five years of teaching music, as space is limited. Two sessions will be offered, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM and Friday, December 19, 2025 from 9:00 – 10:00 AM. Registration is open now on the EME Program Page.
The High School Leadership Institute returns for its 8th edition on Thursday, December 19. This exclusive one-day program is for high school leaders interested in pursuing a career in music education. Directors can nominate their standout students now for a full day of programming including valuable leadership training led by Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser; dedicated time in the Midwest Clinic’s expansive exhibit hall; informative lectures from music industry leaders; inspiring live performances from finest instrumental ensembles from around the globe; and invaluable mentoring from college students to learn about the college application process and what classes are really like for music majors in a degree seeking program.
College Night caps off Thursday’s events and is free and open to the public. Starting at 5:30 p.m., it offers anyone the opportunity to visit with representatives from top universities and military branch music programs from across the country. Bring questions about auditions, classes, college life and requirements and have them answered by the experts from over 50 organizations.
This year, the Midwest Clinic is pleased to offer four pre-conference intensive tracks, for collegiate and professional registrants seeking hands-on training in specific areas. All pre-conference intensives take place Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at McCormick Place West from 1-5 PM (Strings starts at 12PM). Registration for any intensive can be added onto your conference registration at midwestclinic.org.
Audio Technology for Music Educators provides an introduction to music production and how to set up a sound system for live performance, what quality audio is, and the value of mixing the audio for the best results. This workshop is for music educators at all levels, from small classroom instruction to music production programs or touring music ensembles. The benefits of knowing what comprises quality audio, how to maximize the quality of the sound systems you use, and how to utilize music production in your music program are universal for all music educators. The final session is a hands-on experience led by professionals in the music industry.
From the Top! Building a Dynamic Jazz Program is ideal for band directors and music educators who are new to jazz or looking for fresh strategies to strengthen their jazz ensembles. Led by renowned educators Bethany Robinson, Roosevelt Griffin, & Mary Jo Papich, this three-session workshop will provide practical strategies, foundational knowledge, and proven rehearsal techniques to help educators navigate the unique challenges of teaching jazz. Whether you’re starting a new program, transitioning from concert band, orchestra or a college without jazz pedagogy, or refining your rehearsal techniques, this interactive, engaging, and practical workshop will leave you inspired and equipped to help your students swing with confidence!
Percussion Basics Simplified is designed for both those new to teaching percussion and those looking for a basic level refresher, offering essential information, tools, and resources to effectively teach snare drum and mallets. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your pedagogical skills, this session will cover the foundational principles of percussion playing and teaching, including instrument position, grip, stroke variations, and music reading. Participants will rotate between snare drum and mallets, culminating in a combined percussion session within a typical band setting.
String Teaching Simplified: Jumpstarting Your String Teaching Journey for Those New to Strings, offered in partnership with ASTA, provides those new to teaching strings with the information, tools, and resources needed to effectively teach orchestra. This informational and practical session will focus on the foundational principles of string playing and teaching including instrument position, tone production, shifting, and vibrato. Participants will select a primary string instrument to learn during this hands-on workshop and can elect to join either beginning or intermediate level breakout sessions based on experience and interest.
The Reynolds Conducting Institute returns Thursday, December 18-Friday, December 19, 2025 with Clinicians Eric Wilson and Kevin Geraldi, featuring the finest musicians from the Baylor University Chamber Winds. Fourteen Fellows have been selected for this symposium, and all sessions and the finale concert are open to Midwest Clinic attendees as observers.
In addition, the 79th Midwest Clinic will feature a full slate of clinics and performances and an expansive exhibit hall over the three days of the conference. Special Clinic Tracks include Music Administration, Emerging Music Educators (for those in their first five years of teaching), International Music, Small School Initiative, Access/Opportunity/Engagement, and the ever-popular Day One Sessions, this year focusing on Trombone and Trumpet. Over 120 Clinics are scheduled, which can be redeemed for continuing education credits after the conference. For the full clinic schedule, visit the Midwest Clinic website.
At the heart of the Midwest Clinic is performance, and this year’s conference boasts over 50 of the finest performing ensembles from around the world, representing the best of all ages from middle school to professional groups. Band, Orchestra, Jazz, Percussion, and Chamber performances focus on the best new music for ensembles at all levels, including world premieres from established and up-and-coming composers.
Registration for the 79th Midwest Clinic is open now at midwestclinic.org. The conference app and digital program book will be available in early December for advance planning for attendees, but in the meantime, you can visit the Midwest Clinic website for information on hotels, dining, and entertainment options for your trip to Chicago.
