Coming Soon! Emerging Music Educator Scholarship Program
The Emerging Music Educators Program (EME) returns for its fourth year at the Midwest Clinic. 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 with a dedicated programming track at the annual December Conference. While EME programming is specifically designed for those ages 18-25, those over age 25 who are beginning a second/new career in music education are also encouraged to participate in EME events.
The EME Scholarship Program covers the cost of registration fees to the 80th Midwest Clinic, December 16-18, 2026 in Chicago, IL. Applicants must be ages 18-25 and enrolled in a degree program for or working in music education. Those over age 25 who are beginning a new career in music education are also eligible to apply. Applications open September 1 at midwestclinic.org, and must be submitted by September 30. To learn more about the EME program and view the 2026 Clinic sessions, visit https://www.midwestclinic.org/EME. Special thanks to our program sponsors, the National Endowment for the Arts and Hal Leonard.
Pre-Conference Intensives
Registration is open now for all four Midwest Clinic Pre-Conference Intensives! Attendees can add registration for this event at the end of their Midwest Clinic Conference Registration. All Pre-Conference Intensives take place on Tuesday, December 16, 2026 in the afternoon.
Audio Technology for Music Educators | 1:00-5:00 PM
This four-hour program introduces 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. The final session is a hands-on experience led by professionals in the music industry. This workshop is for music educators at all levels, from small classroom instruction to music production programs or touring music ensembles. The hands-on opportunity provides the experience to learn about audio and how to use music/audio technology in your classrooms. Special thanks to our sponsors: Yamaha, Shure, TI:ME, QSC, Ableton. For a full schedule and session details, visit https://www.midwestclinic.org/TechnologyPreCon.
Teaching Strings with Confidence: A Practical Guide for Band Directors | 12:00-5:00 PM
From the fundamentals of instrument position to effective rehearsal strategies for strings, this 5-hour immersive workshop will provide band directors who find themselves teaching orchestra with the information, tools, and resources necessary to be successful. Participants will select a string instrument to learn during this hands-on experience and may choose beginning or intermediate breakout sessions based on their experience and interests. This interactive session will focus on the foundational principles of string playing and teaching, including healthy instrument position, tone production, articulations, shifting, and vibrato, as well as strategies for rehearsing orchestras. Commonalities and key differences between teaching band and orchestra will be presented. The Midwest Clinic and the American String Teachers Association have come together to sponsor this exciting opportunity. Special thanks to our clinicians, Yvonne Davila-Cortes, Julie Ellis, Dr. Heather Lofdahl, Dr. Rebecca B. MacLeod, James Mick, Ph.D., Dr. James Ray. For full details and session schedule, visit https://www.midwestclinic.org/StringPreCon.
Percussion Basics Simplified | 1:00-5:00 PM
This 4-hour immersive session is designed for both those new to teaching percussion and those
looking for a basic-level refresher, offering essential information, tools, and resources to teach snare drum and mallets effectively. Whether you’re just starting 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. Special thanks to our Clinicians: Peggy Jo Bonner, Brandon Estes, Adam D. Hill, Justin Koszarek, Dr. James Yakas; and our sponsors, Yamaha, VanderCook College of Music, Conn-Selmer, and the Percussive Arts Society. For full details and schedule, visit https://www.midwestclinic.org/PercussionPreCon.
From the Ground Up: Building Stronger Rehearsals and Improvisers through Jazz Essentials | 1:00-5:00 PM
This 4-hour, hands-on, interactive workshop is designed to support jazz educators as they build, develop, and refine their jazz programs. Led by renowned educators Bethany Robinson, Julius Tolentino, and Lisa Linde, this three-session workshop will provide practical strategies, foundational knowledge, and proven rehearsal techniques to help educators navigate the unique challenges of teaching jazz. This workshop is ideal for band directors and music educators who are new to jazz or looking for fresh strategies to strengthen their jazz ensembles. Plus, attendees will receive a full year of Jazz Education Network Membership! Special thanks to our sponsors: Jazz Education Network, Yamaha, Conn-Selmer. Learn more and view the full schedule at https://www.midwestclinic.org/jazzprecon.
