A Summer of Learning – Professional Development Opportunities Near You!

Summer is fast approaching, and before band camps and rehearsals begin, take time to attend a professional development workshop. Not only can you refine or build new skills, but you can also network with other music educators.

No matter if you want to learn more about teaching guitar, mariachi, modern band or if you want to become a better music director, there’s a seminar out there for you. Hearing about new ideas, pedagogies, strategies, and more will motivate you to tackle the upcoming year of teaching music with renewed vigor. A win-win situation!

Conference Tips

First, here are some tips to get the most out of a conference.

• Go in with a game plan.
• Ask for funding from your school or district to cover the cost of the conference.
• Don’t be shy. Take the opportunity to talk with seasoned, well-known music educators and performers.
• Keep organized notes on new ideas and strategies you want to try.
• If there are vendors at the conference, see if there are any products or services that could help your program.

Band & Orchestra

Hands-on workshops and events that will help you elevate your band and orchestra program.

MFA’s Summer Symposium Director Academy
As a proud presenting sponsor, Yamaha is excited to share this unique opportunity for educators to receive hands-on coaching on rehearsal efficiency, conducting, lesson planning, finances and more!
When: June 22-27, 2026 (3-day options available)
Where: Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana

American Band College of Central Washington University
A master’s degree program that could change your career! Attend classes, clinics and rehearsals as you learn more about your craft. Guests include Yamaha Master Educator Dr. Dennis Llinas.
When: June 19-July 5, 2026
Where: Ashland, Oregon

Carnegie Hall’s Summer Music Educators Workshop
Explore what great teaching looks like through sessions rooted in artistry, collaborative music-making and connections. Grow your classroom impact today! Travel stipends available.
When: June 29–July 2, 2026
Where: Carnegie Hall, New York City, New York

Smith Walbridge’s Directors Marching Band Clinic
The Smith-Wallbridge clinic, with Yamaha Master Educator Barry Houser, covers a variety of topics for young directors seeking resources and seasoned directors seeking new ideas.
When: Clinic dates vary and run July 7-24, 2026
Where: Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois

Conducting

Dynamic workshops and symposiums designed to elevate conducting technique, artistry, and ensemble leadership.

2026 UCLA Wind Conducting Workshop
Designed for wind band teachers of all levels, this five-day symposium includes full-band and chamber conducting opportunities, as well as open rehearsals and discussion sessions with master teachers, including Yamaha Master Educators Dr. Emily Threinen and Dr. Travis J. Cross.
When: June 21-25, 2026
Where: UCLA, Los Angeles, California

Northeast Wind Conducting Symposium
With guidance from Yamaha Master Educator Dr. Rodney Dorsey, the symposium’s featured clinician, attendees will improve techniques for conducting and rehearsing while exploring other relevant topics.
When: July 6-10, 2026
Where: Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York

Temple University Wind Conducting and Teaching Workshop
Attendees of all levels will participate in movement sessions, perform with the Workshop Band and attend topical discussions, including those led by Yamaha Master Educator Dr. Sarah McKoin.
When: June 22-26, 2026
Where: Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Wind Band Conducting Workshop
Join nationally recognized master educators, including Yamaha Master Educator Dr. Emily Threinen, for demonstrations, discussions and hands-on constructive feedback related to the art and pedagogy of conducting and ensemble teaching.
When: July 13-17, 2026
Where: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Commercial Music & Technology

Cutting-edge music technology and commercial music workshops to grow your program and create new pathways for music-making.

Teaching Guitar Workshops’ Nationwide Tour
Teaching Guitar Workshops is hosting nationwide workshops this summer, including one at Yamaha headquarters in Buena Park, California, to teach you how to start and enhance a guitar program at your school! The discount code for the Buena Park, CA stop is tgw50yam.
When: Tour workshops run June 1-September 2, 2026
Where: Virtual and nationwide stops

The Second Annual Musikfest Music Industry Conference
Dive into interactive sessions, cutting-edge technology demos, inspiring keynotes and real-world insights designed to bridge the world of music education and today’s evolving industry. Scheduled presenters include Yamaha Master Educator Dr. David Cutler, Yamaha “40 Under 40” music educator Kevin Longwill and Yamaha Senior Segment Marketing Specialist for Education Natalie Morrison.
When: August 2-4, 2026
Where: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

ShedTheMusic – An Online Workshop for Music Educators
Join Bob Haberset, a Yamaha “40 Under 40” educator, as he hosts hands-on sessions designed for educators implementing modern music production in real classrooms!
When: Four 12-day workshops run throughout June 14-August 14, 2026
Where: Online

The 2026 Modern Band Summit – Free Registration!
Music Will offers a professional development conference like no other, where music educators from all over the country come together to learn, teach, play music and experience the modern band curriculum!
When: July 22-24, 2026
Where: Fort Collins, Colorado

The 2026 National Mariachi Education Workshops
At the National Mariachi Education Workshops, experts including Yamaha Master Educator Marica Neel will help music educators deepen their knowledge of mariachi education as they network with peers in a supportive, collaborative atmosphere.
When: June 22-26, 2026
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada

The Leyenda Foundation’s Prof. Development for Guitar
Join Come Together for a four-day professional development institute designed to empower music teachers, performers and community leaders with new tools, resources and collaborations.
When: June 29-July 2, 2026
Where: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma