In general, what are CMS "Professional Activities?"
Professional activities include conferences, workshops, institutes, forums, publications – any of several opportunities for members to share ideas on important topics. Through its professional activities, CMS fosters the continuing education and renewal of college, conservatory, and university music faculty, shares the fruits of music research, develops and enhances music instruction, and celebrates the importance of teaching.
What are Professional Profiles?
CMS provides the opportunity for members to build a professional profile and share the fruits of their work with the profession and the public. Through its professional activities, CMS gathers, considers, and disseminates ideas on the philosophy and practice of music. CMS creates forums in which individuals working in the various areas of music can interact and communicate. Professional profiles enable members to participate fully in CMS professional networking opportunities. CMS members are welcome to build a professional profile by compiling information on their professional activities. The information compiled is archived and may be retrieved, edited, and further developed. Over time, the professional profile can serve as a legacy of work accomplished.
What conferences does CMS sponsor?
CMS sponsors an international conference biennially in odd-numbered years, a conference in the U.S. or Canada annually in the fall, and regional conferences throughout the United States each spring.
Must I become a member of CMS to attend a conference?
Everyone is welcome to attend CMS conferences. CMS members do receive a lower registration rate than non-members, and you must be a CMS member in order to submit a proposal or present at a CMS conference.
Is a schedule posted some place?
Current information can be found by visiting the Society's Calendar of Events.
Where can I find information regarding exhibit space at the next national conference?
Please click here to find information on upcoming conference exhibit opportunities.
Does the Society include American musics in its conference programs?
Yes. The Society has done so since its founding, and since the early 1980s has focused on the musics of the region in which the conference is held.
Are lists of past conference dates and sites available?
Yes. Lists are available for conferences outside North America and conferences held in the U.S. and Canada.
Are lists of future conference dates and sites available?
Yes. Lists are available for conference outside North America and conferences held in the U.S. and Canada.
Does CMS hold joint conferences with other organizations?
Yes. Each fall CMS holds a joint conference with the Association for Technology in Music Instruction and Pi Kappa Lambda. Occasionally CMS has held joint conferences with such notable organizations as the American Musicological Society, the National Association of Schools of Music, the Society for Ethnomusicology, and the Society for Music Theory. In 2000, fourteen music organizations met in Toronto to ring in the new millennium.
What Regional Chapters does the Society have?
CMS has nine Regional Chapters, all of which are based in the United States. Information concerning CMS Regional Chapters, including their boundaries and founding dates, will be found here.
What professional issues does the Society address?
The Society offers opportunities for professional development proposed by its membership. Current offerings can be found by visiting the Society's Calendar of Professional Development Events. Over the years CMS has offered professional development opportunities in myriad areas including music in general studies, music theory pedagogy, music and gender, music history, performance practice, music technology, and many, many others.
How do I submit an idea for a CMS professional development event?
Please visit this page for guidelines for submitting professional development ideas.