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Summer Symposium Spotlight
Get ready for three inspiring days of music education, creativity, and connection! Join us in person or via livestream for Sing! Dance! Play! 2026 and learn from Stacy Werner, John Jacobson, Katie Grace Miller, and special guests through 15 hours of engaging professional development designed for today’s music classroom.
We’re featuring two of our presenters this week, along with all the sessions they’ll be sharing at Sing! Dance! Play! 2026.
John Jacobson Session Descriptions:
I ❤️ Musicals! Discovering New Musicals on Musicplay
Searching for a great musical to use with your elementary performers? This upbeat session highlights exciting new and original works that blend storytelling, singing, and movement in ways kids love. Experience productions filled with meaningful moments and plenty of fun, all crafted to keep students engaged and audiences delighted. We’ll take a closer look at approachable vocal writing, catchy tunes, and imaginative staging tips to help you create a standout performance. Leave inspired and ready to bring your next school musical to life!
Songs in the Key of Me - Teaching the Individual
This session introduces songs and activities that celebrate the beauty of the individual, build character and community, and teach skills for developing healthy identities, managing emotions, achieving personal and collective goals, showing empathy for others, establishing and maintaining supportive relationships, and making responsible, caring decisions—all through solid, high-quality music that reinforces essential musical skills and concepts.
How Can I Not Sing? - Songs for Young Voices
Uncover an exciting mix of choral selections in this dynamic reading session! Enjoy a variety of new original pieces, inspiring favorites, and fun arrangements from pop music and popular film and animated soundtracks. Designed with elementary choirs in mind, this session offers repertoire that supports vocal development, boosts confidence, and keeps young singers enthusiastic and performance-ready.
Susan Brumfield Session Descriptions:
First, We Sing! 100 Little Songs and Rhymes for Reading, Writing, and More!
Looking for simple, singable material that really works with younger students? First, We Sing! is a collection of songs and rhymes that lend themselves naturally to singing, playing, reading, and writing in the K–2 classroom. In this session, we’ll explore a variety of games and activities and discover ways to use them right away with your K-2 students. The book includes game directions, activity ideas, and digital access to demonstration recordings.
101 Songs and Games to Sing, Play, and More!
Ready to refresh your repertoire—or take a closer look at songs you already use? This follow-up to 100 Little Songs and Rhymes offers engaging material for intermediate and upper elementary students. In this session, we’ll dig into a selection of songs, games, and activities for Grades 3–5, all curated and annotated by Dr. Susan Brumfield. The collection includes clear game directions, teaching ideas, and rich cultural and historical context to deepen both your understanding and your students’ experience.
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Sing! Dance! Play!
Music Education is MONUMENTAL!
Washington, DC
July 10-12, 2026
Join us in-person or livestream for three days of inspiring professional development! Learn from Stacy Werner, John Jacobson, Katie Grace Miller, and special guests for 15 hours of engaging instruction. Get one-year access to all recorded sessions so you can watch anytime.
In Person - FREE REGISTRATION! (only 200 spots available!)
Live Stream with Recorded Access - $100
Musicplay Team Updates:
We wanted to take the opportunity to share some updates from the team:
Content Updates:
- Check again next week for future updates!
Development Updates:
- New Drum Machine interactive
- New Staff Lesson bass resources
- Support for 2 beat rhythms in Word Rhythm Composition tool
- Added the ability to disable student codes
- Navigation now remembers the last open state.
- Notifications can now be dismissed more easily