Apply to Present at Midwinter Convention

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

______________________________________

Apply to present at MWC 2026!

  • MMEA encourages applicants to be thoughtful and unique in submissions to perform, inform, and present. This convention platform is designed to provide meaningful, practical, and/or research based approaches to music learning and teaching for all of our attendees. The MMEA Midwinter Convention shines the spotlight on equitable and comprehensive music education practice across Minnesota. As such, MMEA greatly encourages instructional sessions that have diversity, equity, and inclusion as an integral part of the overall focus. The applications for the 2026 Midwinter Convention represents changes that honor these commitments.
    • You may apply to present:
      • Sessions provide practical insights for attendees (no performers)
      • P.I.T. Stop Sessions (Practical Instrument Tips NEW IN 2025) provide short-format (25 minute) instrumental pedagogy sessions to support skill development for educators.
      • Informances provide learning through presentation and limited musical demonstration.
      • Performances are formal concerts (no information presentation).
      • The PLUG is a showcase concert featuring Modern Band/Adaptive/Rock Ensembles for a 20 minute performance with their peers from schools across the state.
    • Applications will include: description for publication, intended learning outcomes, thematic relevance (see 2026 MWC Theme HERE), DEIA lens, short bio (150 characters), presenter/conductor photo, and logistical needs for your proposal.
    • In addition to the general requirements above:
      • Performance applicant must prepare the following: two recordings of contrasting styles and sample proposed repertoire
      • Informance applicants must prepare the following: lesson plan and/or demonstration video
    • Special Call for 2026: MMEA is specifically seeking sessions on hearing health for music educators, gender/identity affirming practices in music, and highlights from small and rural school programs.
  • Applicant Timeline for MWC 2026**
    • May 12, 2025: Applications DUE for Sessions, Informances, Performances, P.I.T. Stops, and The PLUG
    • May 15-June 30, 2025: Applications Evaluated by MMEA
    • July 2025: Conference Schedule Drafted by MMEA
    • August 15, 2025*: (Notification date changed from August 1 to August 15) Notification Sent to Applicants for Sessions, Informances, Performances, P.I.T. Stops, and The PLUG (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 at https://mmea.org/events/midwinter-convention/for-presenters/
    • ** We make every effort to support the needs of our members while holding firm to deadlines as necessary. MMEA publishes deadlines a year in advance in order to create sustainable planning practices for all.

Apply to LEAD a presentation at MWC 2026!

All applications use ONE FORM!

Preview the questions HERE!  This is for reference only.  Paper applications will not be considered.

Apply Today!

Click HERE to learn how to sponsor MMEA and take advantage of advertising opportunities at Midwinter Convention