UPDATE: A VIRTUAL EVENT IS COMING TOGETHER FOR THE SAME DATES.
MONDAY AN UPDATED SCHEDULE WILL BE RELEASED ALONG WITH REGISTRATION.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND PATIENCE!
Monday, January 26, 2026. A note from the Board of Directors:
After many hours of discussion by the Executive Board and MMEA Board of Directors, the decision has been made to cancel the in-person 2026 Midwinter Convention and MMEA’s associated in-person student events in Minneapolis. MMEA cannot uphold its mission to develop, promote, and support equitable and comprehensive music learning and teaching when the health and safety of many in our communities are at risk. Please click the LINK for a message from MMEA’s Board President, Dr. Christopher Rochester.
Please know that this decision was very difficult. The safety of our students, presenters, performers, teachers, and exhibitors must be our first priority despite the large financial strain that will be put on the organization. MMEA is contractually obligated to all of the service contracts the MWC requires including the Hilton, Minneapolis Convention Center, Orchestra Hall, Dakota, and equipment rentals that make the in-person experience special.
MMEA believes that music is core to the human experience and in order to support our Minnesota communities, we are diligently working on a way to create an online format to host sessions and performances as well as exhibitors and sponsors. We will miss being together in person, but we still want to offer the opportunity for Minnesota’s dedicated music educators and students to be able to connect with the wider community.
Please know that there will be a lot of replanning happening in the coming week to assess exactly what MMEA can offer digitally, and how to best offer refunds for those that have already invested in registration for convention and other student programming. We ask that you please hold your questions regarding refunds for now, as our capacity to respond to emails right now is limited. We will have an avenue to refunds available soon.
Please stay tuned as we continue to work on ways to connect with our music community!
Thank you so much for your patience and understanding through this process. We will send further communication about an online event and refunds soon. We hope to see you there!
All the best,
MMEA Board of Directors and Staff
_________________________________________________________________________________________
After you have been selected for MWC 2026…
- Updates for presenters will be published here in Fall 2025 for MWC 2026.
- Timeline for MWC 2026**
- May 12, 2025: Applications DUE for Sessions, Informances, Performances, The PLUG and P.I.T. Stops (Practical Instrument Tips)
- May 15-June 30, 2025: Applications Evaluated by MMEA
- July 2025: Conference Schedule Drafted by MMEA
- August 1, 2025*: Notification Sent to Applicants for Sessions, Informances, Performances, The PLUG, and P.I.T. Stops (delays may occur)
- Sept 3, 2025: Confirmation of Acceptance from Applicants Due*
*Following confirmation, there will be a number of final details required by MMEA. Final reminders for MWC will begin arriving in the beginning of January. Once you have been accepted as presenter, more information can be found HERE!
