FMEA Professional Learning Conference 2027

January 13, 2027 - January 16, 2027

Tampa Convention Center
333 S. Franklin St.
Tampa, FL 33602
United States

The FMEA Professional Learning Conference is one of the largest music education professional learning events in the United States. In addition to approximately 250 clinic sessions and concerts, it hosts 24 All-State Ensembles featuring Florida's top band, orchestra, chorus, guitar, orff, and popular music students, conducted by world-class conductors and teachers. It is attended by more than 10,000 people, including K-12 music teachers, school district music supervisors, college students, college music teachers & professors, school administrators, K-12 students performing in the All-State and Honors ensembles, professional musicians performing with invited performing ensembles, exhibitors, and parents and family members of performing students.

Clinic Details

Friday, January 15, 2027

The AI-Ready Music Educator: Smarter Planning Better Questions and a Little Healthy Skepticism

Annamarie Bollino

10:30 AM – 11:20 AM

TCC- 403

AI is everywhere–writing lesson plans, generating music, and offering feedback in seconds. And it's rapidly reshaping teaching, learning, and professional practice; often faster than policy, preparation programs, and school systems can respond. But just because it can, doesn't mean it should. This session explores how AI can support lesson planning, rehearsal design, assessment, and creativity, without replacing the role of the teacher or the musician. Participants will engage with practical, real-world applications of AI while also wrestling with big questions around academic integrity, ethics, and student learning. Walk away with strategies, guardrails, and a clear mindset for using AI in ways that are thoughtful, ethical, and grounded in strong music teaching.

Empowering the "Other" in the Room Through Mentorship

Jen Jimenez

11:35 AM – 12:25 PM

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This session explores how mentorship can empower those who have been othered in music education, both in our classrooms and on the podium. Through lived experience, research, and practical mentorship models, the presentation examines how visibility, same-gender support, and intentional community-building can disrupt isolation, increase retention, and create collective impact across the profession. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for building mentorship systems that foster belonging, sustain leadership, strengthen professional communities, and open pathways for those who come next.

Innovating Relevance in Rural and Underserved Communities

Annamarie Bollino

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM

TCC-407

If you teach in a rural or underserved community, this session is for you! Together, we'll explore how to transform limited resources into creative, community-driven music programs that build student identity, belonging, and achievement. Through practical examples and reflection, learning strategies for mapping community assets, amplifying student voice, and building innovative partnerships that expand access and opportunity. We'll also discuss how to connect your music program to local culture, workforce goals, and district priorities. You'll leave with fresh ideas, tools, and inspiration to elevate, innovate, and celebrate music education in your community.