The Self-Publisher’s Guide to Music Conferences
Attending music conferences is one of the best ways for ArrangeMe creators to stay connected, inspired, and informed. Whether you’re looking to learn from top educators, meet performers, or see your own works come to life, these events offer countless opportunities to grow your career and connect with the broader music community.
Here’s a look at some key conferences you’ll want to keep on your radar this year and how ArrangeMe and our community will be part of the action.
The Midwest Clinic International Band & Orchestra Conference
Known as the premier global gathering for band, orchestra, and ensemble educators, the The Midwest Clinic brings together musicians and educators from around the world. This year, a record 14 ArrangeMe-published works are being performed, showcasing the incredible creativity and craftsmanship of the ArrangeMe community. It’s an exciting reminder of how self-published composers and arrangers are shaping concert programs across the globe!
American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Conferences
If you’re passionate about choral music, the ACDA Conferences are a must-attend event. The ACDA National Conference takes place in odd-numbered years, while regional conferences happen in even-numbered years. Among this coming year’s highlights at ACDA Eastern is the Contemporary A Cappella Honor Choir, conducted by Rob Dietz. Expect innovative performances, fresh repertoire, and a celebration of modern vocal arranging!
Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference
Jazz lovers, this one’s for you. The JEN Conference is an incredible space for jazz educators, performers, and composers to come together. This year’s Young Composer Showcase (sponsored by ArrangeMe) will feature works by up-and-coming jazz writers, offering a platform for new voices in jazz composition and arranging. For ArrangeMe jazz arrangers, it’s an inspiring opportunity to connect, learn, and listen!
Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Conference
The Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Conference is one of the largest and most dynamic music education events in the country and ArrangeMe will be there! Stop by to meet members of our team, learn more about self-publishing, and discover how to get your music into the hands of directors, educators, and performers.
Why Attend Music Conferences?
Music conferences are so much more than annual events, they’re creative fuel for your arranging journey. Whether you’re just starting out or have a long list of published works, attending conferences can help you grow in meaningful ways:
Build Your Network: Connect with directors, performers, publishers, and fellow arrangers who can help expand your opportunities and visibility.
Hear Your Music Live: Many conferences feature reading sessions or showcases where composers can hear their works performed, often for the first time.
Stay Inspired: Sessions, performances, and clinics expose you to fresh ideas and genres, helping you grow creatively and technically.
Learn What’s Trending: Conferences highlight the newest repertoire, arranging styles, and publishing opportunities across every ensemble type.
Share Your Expertise: Presenting, performing, or even discussing your work with others helps you grow as both a creator and educator. This also has the added benefit of drawing more potential customers to your music.
For ArrangeMe creators, these gatherings are also a chance to celebrate how self-published music is making a real impact in classrooms, concerts, and communities around the world.
Other Conferences to Explore
In addition to the major events above, there are many other gatherings that can help you connect with new audiences and collaborators:
NAfME (National Association for Music Education) Conference: Ideal for those writing for educational settings or interested in connecting with music teachers.
State MEA Conferences: Nearly every U.S. state hosts its own event, offering local performance and networking opportunities for arrangers and educators alike.
Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC): A must for percussion and marching arrangers looking to explore the latest in percussion literature and performance.
College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Conference: Perfect for concert band arrangers interested in university-level performance and education trends.
The NAMM Show: While primarily a music industry-focused event, The NAMM Show is a fantastic way to explore new music technology, publishing tools, and creative innovations that can support your arranging work.
American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Conference : A wonderful event for string arrangers and composers to connect with educators and performers in the orchestra world. Attendees can explore new repertoire, pedagogy, and performance trends in string education.
Association for Popular Music Education (APME) Conference: Perfect for arrangers working in pop, contemporary, or commercial styles. APME brings together educators, composers, and industry professionals who are shaping the future of popular music education.
South by Southwest (SXSW) – While known for its music festival, SXSW also offers panels, workshops, and networking for arrangers, composers, and self-publishers. It’s a great opportunity to connect with performers, discover trends in music publishing, and explore collaboration opportunities across genres.
Whether you’re attending in person, presenting, or following along online, conferences are an incredible way to stay connected to the heart of music-making. Each event offers something unique. New ideas, new collaborators, and new ways to grow as an arranger, composer, and self-publisher.
Stay tuned to our social media and the weekly newsletter for more updates on where ArrangeMe will be next and whose music will be featured on stage. We love seeing ArrangeMe creators out in the world, sharing your music, connecting with others, and celebrating the power of self-publishing!
