NAfME is the national professional organization for music educators. NAfME provides opportunities for professional growth and development for music teachers at all levels of development, from students to experienced educators. 

The Catholic University chapter #182 plays a significant role in the music education program. The student-run organization holds monthly meetings on relevant topics, organizes service projects, attends conferences, and provides social contact with other music education majors and schools. It is a current requirement of the music education department that all major students join both the national association and the Catholic University campus chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • What is NAfME?

    NAfME is the acronym for National Association for Music Education, the professional organization for music Educators. NAfME provides opportunities for professional growth for music teachers at all levels in all areas.

    The CUA NAfME chapter #182 plays a significant role in the music education program. This is a student-run organization which holds monthly meetings on relevant topics, organizes service projects, attends conferences, and provides social contact with other music education majors. Student officers are elected at the beginning of each school year. 

  • What are the benefits of joining NAfME?

    The student NAfME chapter offers you a chance to learn more about the music education profession through a variety of worthwhile activities.

    Monthly meetings are designed to enrich and expand your understanding of the music education profession. For example, guest speakers have come to meetings to address topics such as special education, rehearsal techniques, music technology, student teaching, and job interviewing. These meetings are in addition to the meetings of MUS 150, a required class in the music education curriculum. 

    Attendance at conferences is encouraged through NAfME. Through NAfME, members have the opportunities to travel to several conferences and professional development workshops in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Catholic University students have even traveled to the bi-annual national NAfME conference, where music educators from around the country gather for an overwhelming array of learning opportunities.

    Service projects are an important part of the NAfME activities. Students help run events at Catholic University. One year a number of our chapter members worked with second grade students from a nearby elementary school in introducing them to music activities.   Last year a number of our chapter members assisted with the annual District of Columbia Music Educators Association (DCMEA) conference which was held on our campus.

    NAfME social activities are held throughout the year. Parties, dinners, and outings have been organized by NAfME officers, open to all members. An end-of-the-year party is hosted by the music education faculty is held on campus, where students, alumni, and faculty have the chance to honor graduating seniors.

  • Why else should I join NAfME?

    Apart from the educational and social reasons, there are practical reasons to join NAfME. When you are applying for jobs, it is helpful if you list your membership in our professional organization on your resume. It reflects your pledge as a life-long learner, and indicates a commitment to your profession. Joining NAfME is a requirement for graduation from the music education department at CUA for these reasons. 

  • How do I become involved in NAfME?

    If you'd like to become involved in NAfME, or have any other questions about our organization, please contact us through the Nest- https://nest.cua.edu/organization/nafme. Through the Nest, you will be able to contact the current president.