TMEA Rural and Urban Music Education Fellowship

TMEA Rural and Urban Music Education Fellowship
TMEA Conference Fellowship Application
January 13–16, 2027 | Gaylord Opryland Resort | Nashville, Tennessee

About the Fellowship
The TMEA Rural & Urban Music Education Fellowship, administered by the Tennessee Music Education Association (TMEA) and supported by the Country Music Association Foundation, is designed to expand access to professional learning for music educators serving rural and urban communities across Tennessee.

Through this program, approximately 12–14 music educators will receive scholarships to attend the 2027 TMEA Conference. Scholarships will cover conference registration and shared lodging accommodations.

The fellowship recognizes that meaningful professional development can strengthen music instruction, support music programs, and create new opportunities for students. However, financial, geographic, and institutional barriers can prevent some educators from participating in statewide professional learning.

TMEA invites music educators who would benefit from this opportunity to apply.

Application Deadline: November 30th, 2026
Notification of Selection: December 15th, 2026
Conference Dates: January 13–16, 2027
Location: Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee

- Membership in TMEA is not a requirement for this fellowship.

- TMEA Members with students participating in Honors or All-State Ensembles are not eligible.

How would you describe the community served by your school?
Approximately how many students attend your school?
Briefly describe your school and community. What characteristics or circumstances influence the opportunities available to your students and music program?
Does your school or district provide financial support for teachers to attend the TMEA Conference?
Have you attended a TMEA Conference within the past three years?
What factors have limited your ability to attend the TMEA Conference or participate in other professional learning opportunities?

Other
Why are you interested in receiving a TMEA Rural & Urban Music Education Fellowship to attend the 2027 TMEA Conference?
What are two or three areas of music education in which you would like to grow professionally? Examples might include instructional strategies, rehearsal techniques, curriculum development, assessment, student engagement, recruitment and retention, technology, or building a sustainable music program.
How do you anticipate using ideas, resources, or strategies from the conference to benefit your students and strengthen your music program?
How would your participation in the TMEA Conference benefit other educators in your school or district?

Fellowship Commitment:

Recipients of the CMAF Rural & Urban Music Education Fellowship are expected to participate fully in the conference and share the professional learning gained with colleagues.

If selected, I agree to the following:
- Attend the 2027 TMEA Conference, January 13–16, 2027.
- Complete conference registration and participate in professional learning activities.
- Accept shared lodging accommodations arranged through the fellowship (if lodging is required).
- Complete a brief post-conference evaluation.
- Share at least one resource, strategy, or idea from the conference with colleagues at my school or district.
- Participate in a follow-up survey approximately six months after the conference.
I understand and agree to these expectations.
If selected I would like to receive hotel accommodations. I understand that this will be a shared room with another fellowship participant.
I certify that the information provided in this application is accurate. I understand that fellowship awards are limited and that submitting an application does not guarantee selection.
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