OMEA - Harmony 2025

Harmony 2025, the annual conference of the Ontario Music Educators’ Association, was held in Toronto November 7-9th. Workshops included “So You Want To Teach Your Choir Gospel Music?” by Prof. Darren Hamilton (Music Education) and Natalie Stewart (PhD student), “Inclusion in Choral Ensembles: Opportunities for Musical Excellence” by Carol Ratzlaff (PhD Student), “Student voice, Student choice: Fostering student connection through song” by Diane Murray-Charrett (PhD Candidate) & Kate Shrock, “Jazz Improvisation – Beyond Scales” by Prof. Shirantha Beddage(Jazz), and a choral conducting masterclass with University of Toronto MacMillan Singers by Prof. Jamie Hillman(Choral Studies). Research Presentations included “Music Education & Demographic Change in the Classroom” by Diane Murray-Charrett (PhD Candidate) and colleagues; “Sounding the Disconnect: Rethinking Music Career Education for Changing Industries” by Dr. Laura Menard (Research & Partnerships Office), Lynn Tucker and Kyle Zavitz; “The Significance of (Un)Mattering in Music Education” by Prof. Nasim Niknafs (Music Education); “Perceptions and Benefits of Curricular Gospel Choir Participation Amongst Postsecondary Students: A Preliminary Exploration from a Canadian Perspective” by Prof. Darren Hamilton (Music Education), Ivan Lo (PhD student), and Aaron Manswell (DMA Candidate); “Listening Beyond the Rules: Black Students’ Strategic Use of Headphones in a Toronto Classroom” by Prof. Antía González Ben (Music Education). Graduate Student Roundtable research papers included “The Evolution of NUOVA Vocal Arts: A Narrative Case Study” by Ivan Lo, “Streaming’s Impact on Repertoire Choice: Social and Economic Implications for Popular Music Education” by Orko Oyon, “Choral Music for all” by Carol Ratzlaff, and “Listen Closely: Exploring the Stakes of Conditioned Listening Practices at Music Festivals” by Sophia Wang. Feliciations to all!