CMEA is working diligently to support your needs during the pandemic. We are in communication with national organizations to provide clarity and solutions of social distancing in music education classes, as well as appropriate instrument cleaning. We have also created and sent a position statement sharing the importance of music education in public schools to Governor Newson. Please feel free to communicate with us to share your needs – we are here you for you!

CMEA met with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in early June 2021 to discuss recommendations for getting music education back into the classroom safely. Follow this link for more information.

In August, 2021, NAfME and NFHS released Return to Music: Phase III Guidance and Resources to help music educators as they plan their return classrooms for the 2021-2022 school year.

On May 10, 2021, NAfME and NFHS released Return to Music: Phase II Guidance and Resources to help music educators as they plan their return classrooms for the 2021-2022 school year.

Watch Videos on Mitigation Strategy Videos for Winds, Choir, Strings, and Percussion:

• Winds
• Choir
• Strings
• Percussion

A number of performing arts organizations have joined forces to commission a study on the effects of COVID-19 on the return to the rehearsal hall. Specifically, the study will examine aerosol rates produced by wind instrumentalists, vocalists, and even actors, and how quickly those aerosol rates accumulate in a space.

• Final Results (7/16/21)
• Round Three (11/13/20)
• Round Two (8/6/20)
• Round One: preliminary results

The NFHS & NAfME recommendations and guidance for meaningful music instruction for students of all ages and grade levels as we begin to reopen schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• 2021-22 NFHS Marching Band Modifications and Considerations
• NFHS Return to Music Guidance and Resources
• NAfME Position and Guidance on Singing in Our Schools
• Copyright Resources
• Copyright Performance Permissions
• Virtual State Adjudication Permissions (50+ Music Publishers)

NAfME Virtual Learning Resources

Archived list of Webinars, topics, and external links to additional online resources.

Americans for the Arts: COVID-19 Resource and Response Center

Up-to-date news and resources for the arts and culture fields monitoring recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Federal and D.C. governments as developments evolve concerning the coronavirus.

American String Teachers Association

ASTA resources for String teachers, students, and communities.

American Choral Directors Association

ACDA webinar, teaching/learning, and online/distance resources for singing/choral professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Arts Education Partnership

AEP Partner Resources for Serving the Arts Education Field in the time of COVID-19

Singing and Reopening Safely in the Time of the Coronavirus

May 5, 2020 webinar: What does science and data say about the near term future of singing? Presented by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) with American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), Performing Arts Medical Association (PAMA), and Chorus America.

A Blueprint for Viable Instrumental Music Instruction for Teachers, Directors, Administrators and School Systems

Recommendation for the maintenance and continuation of Band Education in schools during COVID-19. Presented by the High School Band Director’s National Association.

COVID-19 Instrument Cleaning Guidelines

The NFHS, NAfME and the NAMM Foundation recommend the following guidelines for handling musical instruments during the COVID-19 school shutdown period.

Educational Use of Copyrighted Music

Several prominent music publishers have temporarily allowed the use of their copyrighted music for educational purposes through an agreement with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and NAfME.

CASMEC Professional Development Series

Register and browse through archived webinars produced by the CASMEC partner organizations for their online Professional Development series each weekday at 3:00p PST.

CMEA SiPandShare Webinars

All of the CMEA webinars are available here at our website and our YouTube channel – subscribe to the channel and receive automatic updates.

Musician’s Guide for Video Conferencing

A recommendation guide of equipment and software for music teaching/learning through video conferencing.

Tools for Collaborating on Music Remotely

A curated list of online applications to engage with students in real time and/or asynchronously.

Resources to Play Online

Share by the Associated Chamber Music Players

Software & Applications for Distance Teaching and Learning Music

List of applications each with a brief summary & link to the resource

COVID-19 Musician Resources

Collection of resources regarding instrument contamination, hygiene, and studies on aerosol

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

SEL describes the development of skills in three domains: self, others, and responsible decision making. This NAfME resource describes how music educators are well-suited to help students develop socially and emotionally.

Initial Guide to leveraging the power of SEL

With the uncertainty that surrounds how and when schools will reopen, social and emotional learning (SEL) is critical to re-engaging students, supporting adults, and rebuilding relationships.

Keeping Music Education Strong: Updates on Back-to-School Protocols, Funding Realities, and Advocacy Response

Panel discussion regarding realities concerning educational funding, impact on music education, and advocacy efforts to ensure music education continues to be a vital learning opportunity for all children. Presented by The NAMM Foundation in collaboration with NAfME.

It’s Time to Talk; Uncomfortable Conversations in Unconventional Times

This webinar discusses step-by-step instructions on how to proceed through the end of the year and protect music programs moving forward. Includes resources to communicate with site administration, parent/guardians, school board, and graduating students.

Music Education Policy During a Global Pandemic

Overview of current and projected Emergency Federal Funding Packages, discussion of State budgets shortfalls and implications for Music Education, as well as national and state advocacy support for our return to school.