February has been a very busy month for the Music Education Program! Dr. Kim Mieder, along with some music education students, were presenters for several clinics and exhibits at the recent California All-State Music Education Conference:
Dr. Kim Mieder along with Brandon Binder presented a clinic They Have to Practice Without You Now . Amidst a global pandemic, music educators are challenged to engage music students in a virtual world. Although supported by many great music software programs, students now have an opportunity to become vastly more musically independent. Teaching students how to practice will provide the tools necessary for them to Self-Monitor their thoughts and behaviors while gaining confidence in their ability to learn. This clinic offered research-based practice strategies students can use with helpful video demonstrations of how the strategies work. There were also group collaborative activities for students to work on in Zoom Break Out Rooms that support their understanding of how to practice.
Our very own Sonoma State Collegiate Chapter of the National Association for Music Education (Nafme) also presented a clinic Benefits of Hands-on Learning and Community Outreach with SSU student presenters Matthew Bowker, Natalie Cucina, Sierra Smith, and Lilly Chavez.
There was also a “Virtual Exhibit” for prospective students to visit and view the amazing promotional video that Dr. Bent provided for the department. The CASMEC music conference is attended by thousands of music educators and students from every part of the state. These annual presentations and presence are a great recruitment tool and positive outward facing for the music department at Sonoma State.