Amy M. Burns

Elementary Music Technology and Integration

Amy M. Burns has taught PreK-grade 4 general music for over 25 years at Far Hills Country Day School (FH) (https://www.fhcds.org/). She also teaches grade 5 instrumental class, directs the FH Modern Band, is the Performing Arts Department Manager, and teaches privately in the after-school conservatory, having served as director for over 20 years. She has authored four books and numerous articles on integrating technology into the elementary music classroom. She has presented many sessions on the topic, including four keynote addresses in TX, IN, St. Maarten, and AU. She is the recipient of the 2005 Technology in Music Education (TI:ME) Teacher of the Year, the 2016 New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) Master Music Teacher, the 2016 Governor’s Leader in Arts Education, the 2017 NJ Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year, and the 2026 NJMEA Distinguished Service Awards. Her most recent publication, Using Technology with Elementary Music Approaches (2020), is available from Oxford University Press (OUP) and Amazon. Burns is also the Community Coordinator for Midnight Music (MMC) at https://midnightmusic.com/, the General Music Chair for NJMEA Board of Directors, and the Elementary Music Consultant for MusicFirst (https://www.musicfirst.com/), a company built by music educators for music educators, dedicated to helping music teachers and their students make the most of technology in the classroom.

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Summer Professional Development Opportunities for Elementary Music Teachers

June 16, 2026  /  Amy M. Burns

Summer is one of my favorite times to learn, reflect, and gather fresh ideas for the upcoming school year. While attending an in-person conference is wonderful, it is not always possible due to travel, family commitments, or budget constraints. Fortunately, there are several excellent online professional development opportunities this summer that allow you to learn from outstanding music educators right from home.

The Music Room Meet-Up

June 27–29

Hosted by Aileen Miracle, the free Music Room Meet-Up features a variety of inspiring elementary music educators sharing practical ideas for the music classroom. One presenter that many New Jersey music educators will recognize is Dr. Missy Strong, who will present Think Outside the Box: Relevant Movement in General Music.

Whether you are looking for new teaching strategies, movement ideas, or classroom inspiration, this event offers something for everyone.

Learn more: https://aileensmusicroom.com/the-music-room-meet-up-june/

Elementary Music Summit

July 6–10

Bryson Tarbet's free Elementary Music Summit has become a favorite event for music teachers around the world. This year's summit includes more than 30 presenters covering a wide range of topics designed to help elementary music teachers start the school year feeling energized and prepared.

I'm excited to be presenting alongside fellow New Jersey music educator Amy Schumacher Paz. Amy's session, Engaging Through Special Days, will provide creative ways to bring excitement and connection into your classroom. I'll be sharing Canva Tips and Tricks for Music Teachers and highlighting the newest updates in MusicFirst Elementary.

Learn more: https://amy_burns--thatmusicteacher.thrivecart.com/all-access-pass-jul26-fa/

Musicplay Online Sing! Dance! Play!

July 10–12

The Musicplay Online Sing! Dance! Play! Conference offers both in-person and virtual attendance options. While the event takes place in Virginia, educators can join online for a registration fee.

The presenter lineup includes outstanding clinicians such as Tyler Swick, Susie Davies-Splitter, John Jacobson, and many others. If you're looking for practical classroom ideas focused on singing, movement, instruments, and engagement, this conference is worth exploring.

Learn more: https://workshops.musicplay.ca/sing-dance-play/

QuaverCon

July 14–15

QuaverCon is another excellent virtual professional development opportunity. New Jersey music educator Dr. Missy Strong will be presenting alongside many talented music educators and members of the Quaver team.

The conference is free for Quaver subscribers and available for a small registration fee for non-subscribers. Sessions focus on teaching strategies, curriculum resources, technology integration, and classroom engagement.

Learn more: https://www.accelevents.com/e/quaverconmusic

Keep Learning This Summer

Online professional development has made it easier than ever to connect with educators from around the world. Whether you attend a free event or invest in a conference with a small registration fee, these opportunities provide valuable ideas, practical resources, and connections with fellow music teachers.

They are also an excellent way to earn professional development hours, ask questions, discover new teaching strategies, and stay inspired—all without the time and expense of travel.

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