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”
2025 SongWorks Annual Conference
April 4–5, 2025
Dallas, TX
Every Spring, SongWorks educators from around the world gather to experience educational exchange, joy, and camaraderie.
Our 2025 Conference will be held at the Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel in Dallas, TX on April 4 & 5. Save the dates!
You can view the conference registration fees and other details below.
If you have general questions about the conference, please contact Conference Chairs Alice Nordquist (alice@songworkseducators.com) and Lisa Schoen (lisa@songworkseducators.com).
Registration Opens in January!
Conference registration is now open!
Access the Conference Platform for a
detailed schedule, handouts, and more!
Presentation Proposals & Guidelines
Do you teach playfully so your students can learn vibrantly? Consider sharing those experiences in a conference session!
View and 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 7, 2024.
- 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 December 8, 2024.
Conference Details
Dates & Times
The 2024 Virtual Conference will be held over two Tuesday evening sessions and one Saturday morning session. Session dates and times are as follows:
- Evening Session 1: Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 7:00–8:30 PM CDT
- Asynchronous Session Watch Party 1: Thursday, April 4, 2024, 7:00–8:30 PM CDT
- Evening Session 2: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 7:00–8:30 PM CDT
- Asynchronous Session Watch Party 2: Thursday, April 11, 2024, 7:00–8:30 PM CDT
- Daytime Session: Saturday, April 13, 2024, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CDT
Registration Fees
Member rates require current or new SWEA membership. Registration includes two luncheons and Saturday evening banquet.
- $250 – Regular Member
- $175 – Student Member
- $325 – 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, 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 Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel for $155/night plus taxes & fees. This special group rate is available through Wednesday, March 19.
Transportation
An airport shuttle will be available from the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Airport to the conference hotel.
Policies
Refunds and Cancellation: Registrants canceling on or before March 14 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.
Financial Assistance
Limited financial assistance in the form of travel grants will be available for attending the conference. Please contact SWEA Grants Administrator Emilee Knell (emilee@songworkseducators.com) for details.
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 Co-Chairs
Click on each presenter to view the session description.
Tuesday, April 2
Empowering Social and Emotional Learning Through SongWorks:
Principles and Practices for Success
Session Description
How do SongWorks principles and practices transform children’s social and emotional learning? Let’s explore effective strategies for managing challenging behaviors in the music classroom. Experience SongWorks techniques to deeply engage children and foster empathy, cooperation, and emotional expression in educational settings. Reinvigorate your lessons and discover new ideas with playful study. Harness the power of song to enrich our future generation’s social and emotional development, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for young learners to thrive.
¡Juega con canciones españolas! Play with Spanish Songs!
Session Description
Are you looking for new ways to bring alegria (joy) to your music classroom? This session will explore two fun and engaging Mexican folk songs that will get students haciendo música y bailando (making music and dancing)!
Observation Class
Session Description
Observe a class of local elementary students as they experience SongWorks principles and practices in action! Participants will watch a live music class unfold with SongWorks Certification Faculty, Alice Nordquist.
Song Games: The Prime Vehicle
Session Description
Music is said to be a vehicle that can transform lives. In SongWorks teaching, the song game is the vehicle for social interaction, movement, language, thinking, and listening. Both the music and the game transcend language skills, age level, and socio-economic status. Participants will explore two song games in three different contexts; a culturally and economically diverse population of refugee children, a similar population of college-aged students, and a mixed population of educators and non-educators. What will you notice? While the learning outcomes may be different in each context, what stays the same is the transformative power of the music and the hook of the song game.
Repetition and Change:
A Study of Ravel’s “Passacaille”
Session Description
Ravel’s “Passacaille” comes from his Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano. This presentation will evolve from (1) a story format, essentially listening and moving to succeeding portions of the work, and letting students describe how a story might develop from the changes in the theme, and (2) a map study which lets students study, predict, and then reflect on the musical changes they hear.
There Ain’t No Flies on My Ukulele!
Songwriting for Elementary Students
Session Description
Participants will have a shared experience singing and playing the silly song, “There Ain’t No Flies On Me.” Using a song the students love creates a safe and playful environment for experimentation. The potential that songwriting brings for student choice, student-led differentiation, creativity, and community will be highlighted!
Outta the Sunroof and Into My Head and Hands
Session Description
In this session, participants will engage with the pop song, “Sunroof,” by Nicky Youre and Dazy. A melodic study cluster will be highlighted, embodied, and represented visually using the SongWorks song dotting technique, which will then be used to discover and play the melodic pattern on the hand staff, solfa ladder, and eventually, barred instruments.
Let’s Move!
Creating Connections Through Folk Dancing
Session Description
Folk dancing brings people together, so why not harness that power in the music classroom? In this session, participants will learn three engaging folk dances and pathways for teaching them, while enjoying making music and connecting with others.
Playing in Community with Two African Songs
Session Description
We can give students a broader worldview and develop interest in other cultures by singing accessible songs, playing song games, dancing, and engaging in movement that builds friendship and community. Participants will play with a song from Morocco, “A Ram Sam Sam,” beginning with song motions and ending by singing in a round with a double circle dance. With “Olele Moliba Makasi,” a folk song often sung as a lullaby from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, participants will use movement to express and understand the lyrics, culminating in a circle as the river of Kasai.
Principle-Based Teaching in the Early Childhood Music Class
Session Description
This session will explore approaches to teaching in an early childhood setting that are driven by SongWorks principles and what we know about the young child’s brain. We will focus on the “big ideas” behind curricular decisions and teaching practice with concrete examples from the classroom.
Lullabies:
Not Just for Babies
Session Description
How does engaging with lullabies in the music classroom align with our SongWorks principles to develop musical responsiveness in our students? Participants will dive into the benefits of singing lullabies, and how teaching children to sing them now might benefit not just them, but their future families and communities.
From the Sturdy Song Collection:
“Sandgate”
Session Description
The Sturdy Song Collection can be found in the members section of the SongWorks Educators Association website. This great resource includes the children’s folk songs with recordings, activities, and teaching strategies that form the heart of SongWorks repertoire. Participants will have a singing, playing, and dancing experience with “Sandgate,” a folk song nicely suited for intermediate grades.
Connecting with English EdVentures
Session Description
Molly recently returned from a trip to Japan, where she taught the first English EdVentures Weekend Workshop since before Covid! Molly will recap her visit, give examples of the work English EdVentures does, and highlight some of their “tricks of the trade” for focusing on language learning via children’s folk songs.
A Playful Pathway to Melodic Study:
Whaddaya Think o’ That?
Session Description
Engage older students with this comical story and energetic song game! After developing a connection with the music through play, students are motivated to study melody through a variety of literacy experiences, including discovering, describing, and embodying sound, tracking melody contour and solfa graphs, and playing on barred instruments.
Tuesday, April 9
Playing with Peer Gynt
Imagery, Story-making, & Movement
Session Description
In this session, participants will explore through movement the story of “Morning Mood” and “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite. Purposeful, playful immersion in the music builds joyful connections and prepares the pathway to bridge notation study.
Through the Year with Du De Du:
Meaningful and Musical Ways to Study Rhythm
Session Description
Participants will explore fun and engaging ways to bring the study of simple rhythms to life in the context of songs, games, dances, playground chants, pop music, and masterworks!
Saturday, April 13
Asynchronous Sessions
Visiting Scholar
The Visiting Scholar Program was established in 2016 by Dr. Peggy D. Bennett, and is currently coordinated by Vicky Suárez. The program brings university professors and leaders in education and music education to our Annual Conference, and introduces those in positions of leadership and teacher preparation to our ways of implementing and developing the principles and practices of the SongWorks approach. The program asks our Visiting Scholar guests to simply be among us, observing, conversing, and reflecting on our approach, and offer insights, reflections, and commentaries on the last day of the SWEA conference.
Michael Chandler, PhD
Our Visiting Scholar for the 2025 Conference will be Dr. Michael Chandler of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. Dr. Chandler taught music and movement to children in Texas public schools for 16 years. In addition to teaching at APSU, he is a children’s choral director and accompanist, and is a nationally recognized practitioner of the Orff Schulwerk approach to music education. His research interests are music teacher longevity and creativity in music, both of which are topics supported by SongWorks principles and practices. We are looking forward to hosting Dr. Chandler and learning with and from him!
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
Dates & Times
The 2024 Virtual Conference will be held over two Tuesday evening sessions and one Saturday morning session. Session dates and times are as follows:
- Evening Session 1: Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 7:00–8:30 PM CDT
- Asynchronous Session Watch Party 1: Thursday, April 4, 2024, 7:00–8:30 PM CDT
- Evening Session 2: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 7:00–8:30 PM CDT
- Asynchronous Session Watch Party 2: Thursday, April 11, 2024, 7:00–8:30 PM CDT
- Daytime Session: Saturday, April 13, 2024, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CDT
Registration Fees
Member rates require current or new SWEA membership. Attendees may register for all conference dates at a discounted rate, or select individual dates as needed.
Regular Member
- All Days – $75
- April 2 – $20
- April 9 – $20
- April 13 – $40
Non-Member
- All Days – $135
- April 2 – $35
- April 9 – $35
- April 13 – $70
Student Member
- All Days – Free
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
Policies
Registration Deadline: For registrations submitted after April 1, we cannot guarantee access to the first live session before it takes place. However, the recording will be made available within 48 hours.
Contact SWEA Registrar Alice Nordquist (registrar@songworkseducators.com) if you have questions about your registration.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Continuing Education Units (9 clock hours) will be available for attending three days of live sessions (April 2, 9, and 13) and two days of discussion sessions (April 4 & 11) of the Virtual Conference Series. If you have questions, please contact SWEA Academic Coordinator Taryn Raschdorf (taryn@songworkseducators.com).
Session Recordings
All three days of conference sessions will be recorded and posted on the Conference Platform page within 48 hours. These recordings will be available to registrants according to the day(s) for which they register.
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
Click on each presenter to view the session description.
Tuesday, April 2
What Is Really Going on in this
Music Lesson?
Session Description
We will take a close look at the rich potential a song game or a music study lesson holds for the learner. Yes, our students are engaged in music making and learning, but we recognize that they are also significantly involved in many other ways. In this session we will sing and play a song game and then use it to reflect on how music, social/emotional, language, sensory motor, cognitive, and aesthetic engagement can each contribute to an impactful learning experience. Dr. Fleurette Sweeney’s six-pointed star will help us organize our thoughts and considerations.
Rise Up Singing:
The Use of Music In Social Justice Movements
Session Description
Throughout the world, music has played a role in propelling social justice and freedom movements forward—the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, the “Singing Revolution” that ended Soviet Rule over the Baltic nations in the 1990s, and current day Climate Justice singers are just a few examples. This session teaches the context for this type of music, offers a sample of repertoire to share with students, and models ways for students to personalize the songs for their own causes.
Playing with Palo Bonito!
Session Description
Let’s activate our musical global mindedness with the playful song, “Palo Bonito,” from the Dominican Republic! Participants will come away from the session with generalizable strategies for teaching songs in Spanish and other world languages using movement, mapping, and opportunities for creativity and collaboration.
Tuesday, April 9
We Are Going to the Grocery Store
Session Description
Need a dynamite song game for your primary students? “We Are Going to the Grocery Store” might just be what you’re looking for! This versatile song game, found in Let’s Do It Again!: The Songs of ETM, compiled by Mary Helen Richards, offers rich opportunities for language study. The game inspires imagination, critical thinking, and social skills for children. Is the grocery store the only place you can go? What else might you buy, see, or hear?
Making Music Study Musical:
The Whys and Hows
Session Description
A key feature of SongWorks is that musicality is important and worth keeping at the forefront. But what does musicality in an elementary music setting look like, and WHY is it important? Vicky Suárez will offer some practical ways to make music study meaningful and musical across different kinds of activities, songs, and ages.
Good Dog Ukulele–Let’s Play!
Session Description
Judy will share memorable folk songs and her Good Dog colored sticker system, which helps students play chords, identify notes, read treble clef and tablature, change chords with ease, and understand music theory. She will also show how the ukulele can help students match pitches with their singing voices. She will demonstrate good posture and playing habits for ukulele and how to play melodies using the thumb-finger “Reno picking” style.
Saturday, April 13
An Uncommon Path to Ensemble Skills
Session Description
Ideographs aren’t just for the youngest students! Using Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, participants will experience active listening following an ideograph, and see how students can use the map to perform on percussion instruments.
Exploring with Sally and her Friends
Session Description
In this session, we will explore the creation of a concert piece which incorporates “Sally Go ‘Round the Sun” and “Looby Loo.” Using canon, ostinato, and partner song techniques, participants will discover how elementary string students created a concert piece from these two favorite sturdy songs. This session will outline how to go from singing to playing these sturdy songs on instruments.
Sonny Rollins and St. Thomas:
Opportunities to Listen, Move, and Read
Session Description
Using the melodic and rhythmic material of Sonny Rollins’ recording of St. Thomas, this session will explore the use of movement, hand signs and solfa, as well as the use of blended notation (mixing various notational stratagems) to become acquainted with this tune. An advanced strategy of using the map to provide a counterpoint to Rollins’ improvisation will also be explored.
Kids’ Brains Now:
Developing Empathy
& Executive Functioning in Music
Session Description
We all know that children are different post-pandemic. Behaviors are bigger. Attention is more difficult to capture. Everything feels harder! Molly will illuminate what we as music teachers already do to support children’s brains post-pandemic, and provide a few extra strategies that can be inserted into the music room to help students develop empathy, grow critical thinking skills, and stretch executive functioning.
What a Wonderful, JAZZY World!
Session Description
We will explore the world of early jazz through singing, moving, listening, and children’s biographies, using ideas adaptable for a range of ages. Oh how you’ll want to be in this number!
Roly Poly:
A Joyous and Nonsensical Celebration
Session Description
What is the value of nonsense words, and why are they so common in children’s folk songs? In this session, we will enjoy participating in a staple of the SongWorks canon, and find out how to highlight all of its elements in meaningful encoding-based assessment.
Asynchronous Sessions
Lullabies:
Not Just for Babies
Session Description
How does engaging with lullabies in the music classroom align with our SongWorks principles to develop musical responsiveness in our students? We will dive into the benefits of singing lullabies, and how teaching children to sing them now might benefit not just them, but their future families and communities.
Observation Class
Session Description
Have you ever wished you could be a fly on the wall in someone else’s classroom? In this session, participants have the opportunity to observe a SongWorks Certified Educator working with his fourth grade music students.
Every Child Matters:
A Journey of Truth and Reconciliation
Through First Nations Songs
Session Description
Each year since 2013 in Canada, September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also called Orange Shirt Day. “Every Child Matters” is the slogan and message to honour innocent lives of First Nations, Inuit and Metis children lost as a result of residential school neglect and abuse. It symbolizes that every child is important, including both the children who have lost their lives and the adults who are still healing from their difficult times separated from their land, language, family and culture. Using songs written by and with permission of First Nations singer/songwriters, Kate will offer participants an opportunity to start a journey of truth and reconciliation through song and music.
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.
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.
2024 Virtual Conference Series
Access recordings and handouts from the 2024 Virtual Conference Series using the link below. If you have forgotten your access password, please contact SWEA Registrar Alice Nordquist at alice@songworkseducators.com.