SongWorks Annual Conference
“From Our Roots We Continue to Grow”
2022 SongWorks Conference
March 31 – April 2, 2022
Dallas, TX
Save the dates!
We are delighted to announce that the SongWorks Educators Association Annual International Conference will return in person in the Spring of 2022. Join music educators from around the world for three days of learning, playing, and inspiration in Dallas, TX, March 31 – April 2, 2022.
Or attend virtually on Saturday, April 2nd and take advantage of live streamed presentations, asynchronous learning and an online meet and greet with SongWorks colleagues.
View more details below, or click the button to register now!
Access the Conference Platform for a
detailed schedule, handouts, Zoom links, and more!
“Playful Teaching, Vibrant Learning”
2024 SongWorks
Virtual Conference Series
April 2, 9, & 13, 2024
Every Spring, SongWorks educators from around the world gather to experience educational exchange, joy, and camaraderie.
In 2024, we will be holding our conference as a Virtual Conference Series on Tuesday evenings, April 2 & 9, and Saturday, April 13, 2024. Save the dates!
Conference registration has now closed.
If you have general questions about the conference, please contact Conference Chair Katie Herzberg (ktherzberg@gmail.com).
For questions about conference sessions and proposals, contact Conference Program Chairs Alice Nordquist (alice@songworkseducators.com) and Lisa Schoen (lisa@songworkseducators.com).
Registration Opens January 1!
Access the Conference Platform for a
detailed schedule, handouts, and more!
Deadline: March 5, 2023
Contents
Presentation Proposals & Guidelines
Do you teach playfully so your students can learn vibrantly? Consider sharing those experiences in a conference session!
Download the Presentation Proposal Guidelines (PDF)
Submission Overview
- Confirm your SWEA membership is up to date to be considered for a conference presentation. Email registrar@songworkseducators.com if you are uncertain of your membership status.
- Review the Proposal Selection Factors below.
- Submit your proposal(s) using this form by November 8, 2023.
- Contact Conference Program Chairs Alice Nordquist (alice@songworkseducators.com) and Lisa Schoen (lisa@songworkseducators.com) if you want to discuss your thoughts.
Selection Factors
Applicability / Value
Will attendees be able to immediately incorporate what they learn into their teaching? Will you share your process and intentions for learning so others can apply your ideas in their classrooms? Although our conference series will be virtual, please consider how your online presentation could be adapted by conference participants to be used with their
in-person students.
Repertoire
In addition to the core study songs of SongWorks, a variety of repertoire is welcome. Please research the history and meaning of any repertoire you are considering to ensure it is authentic and culturally affirming.
Variety
Overall range of conference topics and variety of activity types are considered in the selection process. Suggestions from past Conference feedback include:
- Culturally responsive and inclusive music and movement
- SongWorks activities to be used in a variety of teaching settings
- Composing and arranging with students
- Applying SongWorks strategies to a variety of musical genres, in addition to English-language folk songs
We look forward to receiving your proposal! You will be notified of the status of your proposal no later than November 30, 2023.
Conference Details
Registration Fees
Member rates require current or new SWEA membership. All rates include luncheons on both days and Saturday night banquet.
- $225 – Regular Member
- $150 – Retired Member
- $125 – Student Member
- $300 – Non-Member
Membership Dues
SWEA Membership can be purchased or renewed while registering for the conference. Membership offers many benefits including discounted conference registration rates and access to teaching resources including the Sturdy Songs Collection, materials from past conferences, and recordings of SongWorks in Practice (SIP) Sessions.
- $45 – Regular Membership
- $75 – Sustaining Membership
- $100 – Patron Membership
- $20 – Student Membership
Lodging
Accommodations are available at the Boston Marriott Newton for $129/night plus taxes and fees. This special group rate is available through March 2, 2023.
Transportation
A variety of public and private transportation options are available from the Boston Logan Airport to the conference hotel. More details are available on the conference platform page.
Policies
Registration Deadline: March 5, 2023
Refunds and Cancellation: Registrants canceling on or before March 5 will receive a full refund of registration fees. Membership dues are non-refundable. Alternatively, you may choose to donate these fees to support SWEA. Contact SWEA Registrar Alice Nordquist (registrar@songworkseducators.com) if you wish to cancel your registration.
COVID-19 Precautions: SWEA is monitoring the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will, at a minimum, follow CDC Guidelines to protect conference participants from the spread of COVID-19. Masks may be required during conference sessions and vaccines are highly recommended for all in-person attendees.
Financial Assistance
If you applied for financial assistance with conference registration fees, please wait to register until you are contacted by SWEA Grants Administrator Emilee Knell (emilee@songworkseducators.com).
Graduate Credits and CEUs
Graduate Credits (1.0 quarter credits) and Continuing Education Units (15 clock hours) will be available for in-person attendance at the conference through Seattle Pacific University (SPU). If you would like to register for either of these options, you can do so directly through SPU. More details are available on the conference platform page. If you have questions, please contact SWEA Academic Coordinator Taryn Raschdorf (taryn@songworkseducators.com).
Schedule At-A-Glance
As you plan your travel arrangements to and from the Conference, take note of the following times of events. Remember, lunches and Saturday evening’s banquet are included with registration. If you are traveling from out-of-state, we recommend you arrive Thursday and visit with other attendees in our complimentary hospitality room, and depart Sunday morning, so you can enjoy our formal Saturday evening Banquet.
Thursday, March 16
6:30 – 9:30pm – Hospitality Room Open
Friday, March 17
8:00 – 9:00am – Registration
9:00am – 12:15pm – Sessions
12:15 – 1:15pm – Lunch
1:15 – 5:00pm – Sessions
7:00 – 9:30pm – Hospitality Room Open
Saturday, March 18
8:00am – 12:15pm – Sessions
12:15 – 1:15pm – Lunch
1:15 – 5:00pm – Sessions
5:30 – 6:30pm – Happy Hour
7:00pm – Conference Banquet (included with Registration)
Presenters
Download Sessions & Presenters (pdf)
Conference Chair
Conference Program Co-Chairs
Sonny Rollins and St. Thomas:
Opportunities to Listen, Move, and Read
Kids’ Brains Now:
Developing Empathy
& Executive Functioning in Music
Rise Up Singing:
The Use of Music In Social Justice Movements
Good Dog Ukulele–Let’s Play!
Lullabies
Not Just for Babies
Exploring with Sally and her Friends
Observation Class
What a Wonderful, JAZZY World!
Roly Poly:
A Joyous and Nonsensical Celebration
What Is Really Going on in this Music Lesson?
We Are Going to the Grocery Store
An Uncommon Path to Ensemble Skills
Every Child Matters:
A Journey of Truth and Reconciliation Through First Nations Songs
Playing with Palo Bonito!
Making Music Study Musical:
The Whys and Hows
Visiting Scholar
Since 2015, select scholars have been invited to the SongWorks Conference for the purpose of exposing them to the principles, practices, and activities of our organization. Visiting Scholars are chosen based on their leadership in and contributions to music education, as well as their commitment to excellence in learning and teaching. Throughout the conference, Visiting Scholars observe presentations and interact with attendees. We are thrilled to announce Alison Reynolds of Temple University as our 2023 Visiting Scholar!
Alison Reynolds, PhD
Dr. Alison Reynolds focuses her research and teaching interests on expressive and creative music development, early childhood and general music teacher preparation, and developing curriculum materials for children 12 years old and younger. Reynolds has been published in the Journal of Research in Music Education, Bulletin for the Council of Research in Music Education, Arts Education Policy Review, Research Studies in Music Education, Journal of Music Teacher Education, Journal of Historical Research in Music Education, Perspectives, and several state music educators’ journals.
Reynolds is co-author of Jump Right In: The Music Curriculum (Revised Edition) and Music Play: The Early Childhood Music Curriculum Guide for Parents, Teachers and Caregivers, which has been translated into Korean, Lithuanian, and Chinese; and is co-editor and contributing author for Engaging Musical Practices: A Sourcebook for Elementary General Music. She is a frequent presenter of research and practice in international, national, regional, state, and local venues.
Past Conferences
Conference materials from past conferences, including handouts, videos, and presentation slides are available in the Members Access section of the website. Not a member? You can join or renew your membership here.
Presentation Proposals & Guidelines
This year’s conference theme is “Playful Teaching, Vibrant Learning.” What session might you share to invite us into the playfulness and vibrancy in your classroom? We want to know about it! See details below for more information.
Download the Presentation Proposal Guidelines (PDF)
Submission Overview
- Confirm your SWEA membership is up to date to be considered for a conference presentation. Contact Alice Nordquist (registrar@songworkseducators.com) if you are unsure of your membership status.
- Review the Proposal Selection Factors below as you create your proposal.
- Submit a separate form for each session you are proposing.
- Submit your proposal(s) here: Proposal Form by September 30, 2022.
- Contact Conference Chair Jake Harkins (jake@songworkseducators.com) if you have questions or want to discuss your thoughts.
Selection Factors
Applicability / Value
Will attendees be able to immediately incorporate what they learn into their teaching?
Will you share your process and intentions for learning so others can apply your ideas in their classrooms?
Repertoire
In addition to the core study songs of SongWorks, a variety of repertoire is welcome. Please be sure to research the history and meaning of any repertoire you are considering to ensure it is authentic and culturally affirming.
Variety
Overall range of conference topics and variety of activity types are considered in the selection process. Suggestions from past Conference feedback include:
- Culturally responsive and inclusive music and movement
- SongWorks for parents/grandparents, autistic students, pre-schoolers, or teaching in a private student setting
- Music and STEM
- Song writing for students
We look forward to receiving and reading your proposal! You will be notified of the status of your proposal no later than November 20, 2022.
Conference Details
Registration Fees
Member rates require current or new SWEA membership. All rates include luncheons on both days and Saturday night banquet.
- $225 – Regular Member
- $150 – Retired Member
- $125 – Student Member
- $300 – Non-Member
Membership Dues
SWEA Membership can be purchased or renewed while registering for the conference. Membership offers many benefits including discounted conference registration rates and access to teaching resources including the Sturdy Songs Collection, materials from past conferences, and recordings of SongWorks in Practice (SIP) Sessions.
- $45 – Regular Membership
- $75 – Sustaining Membership
- $100 – Patron Membership
- $20 – Student Membership
Lodging
Accommodations are available at the Boston Marriott Newton for $129/night plus taxes and fees. This special group rate is available through March 2, 2023.
Transportation
A variety of public and private transportation options are available from the Boston Logan Airport to the conference hotel. More details are available on the conference platform page.
Policies
Registration Deadline: March 5, 2023
Refunds and Cancellation: Registrants canceling on or before March 5 will receive a full refund of registration fees. Membership dues are non-refundable. Alternatively, you may choose to donate these fees to support SWEA. Contact SWEA Registrar Alice Nordquist (registrar@songworkseducators.com) if you wish to cancel your registration.
COVID-19 Precautions: SWEA is monitoring the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will, at a minimum, follow CDC Guidelines to protect conference participants from the spread of COVID-19. Masks may be required during conference sessions and vaccines are highly recommended for all in-person attendees.
Financial Assistance
If you applied for financial assistance with conference registration fees, please wait to register until you are contacted by SWEA Grants Administrator Emilee Knell (emilee@songworkseducators.com).
Graduate Credits and CEUs
Graduate Credits (1.0 quarter credits) and Continuing Education Units (15 clock hours) will be available for in-person attendance at the conference through Seattle Pacific University (SPU). If you would like to register for either of these options, you can do so directly through SPU. More details are available on the conference platform page. If you have questions, please contact SWEA Academic Coordinator Taryn Raschdorf (taryn@songworkseducators.com).
Schedule At-A-Glance
As you plan your travel arrangements to and from the Conference, take note of the following times of events. Remember, lunches and Saturday evening’s banquet are included with registration. If you are traveling from out-of-state, we recommend you arrive Thursday and visit with other attendees in our complimentary hospitality room, and depart Sunday morning, so you can enjoy our formal Saturday evening Banquet.
Thursday, March 16
6:30 – 9:30pm – Hospitality Room Open
Friday, March 17
8:00 – 9:00am – Registration
9:00am – 12:15pm – Sessions
12:15 – 1:15pm – Lunch
1:15 – 5:00pm – Sessions
7:00 – 9:30pm – Hospitality Room Open
Saturday, March 18
8:00am – 12:15pm – Sessions
12:15 – 1:15pm – Lunch
1:15 – 5:00pm – Sessions
5:30 – 6:30pm – Happy Hour
7:00pm – Conference Banquet (included with Registration)
Presenters
Download Sessions & Presenters (pdf)
Conference Chair
Children’s Choir Meets SongWorks!
Hancock’s Driftin’:
A Study in Mapping
Kids’ Brains After a Pandemic
Break ‘Em On Down, These Walls Between Us
Hoy Cantamos y Jugandos:
Bringing Songs and Games Into Your Classroom
With Authenticity and Engagement
Playing Pictures:
Student-Created Arrangements, Student-Centered Learning
High Hopes for Rhythm and Solfège
Embracing the Classics:
Dance of the Comedians
En Roulant ma Boule? Let’s!
A French-Canadian Paddle Song
Now the Song Is in Your Hand:
Mapping Manifested
Back to Our Beginnings:
It All Starts with Play
You Must Learn to Join the Dance
Ice Skates and Snowflakes:
Movement, Mapping, and Melody
Sidewindin’ Towards the Staff
Song Games from Around the World
Visiting Scholar
Since 2015, select scholars have been invited to the SongWorks Conference for the purpose of exposing them to the principles, practices, and activities of our organization. Visiting Scholars are chosen based on their leadership in and contributions to music education, as well as their commitment to excellence in learning and teaching. Throughout the conference, Visiting Scholars observe presentations and interact with attendees. We are thrilled to announce Alison Reynolds of Temple University as our 2023 Visiting Scholar!
Alison Reynolds, PhD
Dr. Alison Reynolds focuses her research and teaching interests on expressive and creative music development, early childhood and general music teacher preparation, and developing curriculum materials for children 12 years old and younger. Reynolds has been published in the Journal of Research in Music Education, Bulletin for the Council of Research in Music Education, Arts Education Policy Review, Research Studies in Music Education, Journal of Music Teacher Education, Journal of Historical Research in Music Education, Perspectives, and several state music educators’ journals.
Reynolds is co-author of Jump Right In: The Music Curriculum (Revised Edition) and Music Play: The Early Childhood Music Curriculum Guide for Parents, Teachers and Caregivers, which has been translated into Korean, Lithuanian, and Chinese; and is co-editor and contributing author for Engaging Musical Practices: A Sourcebook for Elementary General Music. She is a frequent presenter of research and practice in international, national, regional, state, and local venues.
Past Conferences
Conference materials from past conferences, including handouts, videos, and presentation slides are available in the Members Access section of the website. Not a member? You can join or renew your membership here.