NAfME Webinar: Orchestrating Opportunity: Expanding Music Education Pathways Through CTE

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is expanding rapidly across states and districts—but what does it mean for music educators and music programs? This webinar will provide a practical, policy-informed overview of CTE, including the federal Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V), how funding flows to states and districts, and what types of programs qualify for support.

Participants will explore how music-related pathways—such as music performance, recording and production, audio engineering, and stage technology—can align with CTE career clusters while maintaining artistic rigor and integrity. Speakers will share real-world examples of successful CTE-aligned music programs and hear directly from music educators who are dual-certified in both music and CTE, offering insight into credentialing, curriculum design, and cross-department collaboration.

The session will also directly address common questions and concerns from the field, including whether CTE programs compete with or strengthen traditional music education offerings; how to ensure that CTE pathways complement, rather than replace comprehensive music programs; and what safeguards can help ensure certified music educators lead music-based CTE programs.

By the end of the webinar, attendees will:

• Understand the structure and intent of federal CTE policy and funding.
• Identify music programs that may qualify for CTE support.
• Recognize opportunities to expand student pathways in music-related careers.
• Gain strategies to advocate for strong, educator-led music CTE programs that enhance—not diminish—existing music education offerings.

This session is designed to equip music educators with the knowledge and tools to engage confidently in CTE conversations at the school, district, and state levels.