ArtsQuest to Present its First Musikfest Music Industry and Education Conference

Submissions to be considered as a presenter at this groundbreaking conference are now being accepted.

Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 – ArtsQuest is excited to announce its first ever Musikfest Music Industry and Education Conference, a two-day dynamic event focused on the intersection of music education, popular music and business leadership. The event promises to be an immersive experience designed to inspire, educate and connect. The conference will take place on August 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Blast Furnace Room at the ArtsQuest Center located at 101 Founders Way, in Bethlehem.

Join us for a dynamic two-day conference tailored for music teachers, arts administrators and business professionals passionate about shaping the future of music education, industry and leadership.

ArtsQuest is currently accepting presenter submissions in four formats:

• Programs, Practices and Issues (PPI) Presentation proposals should describe programs or practices that address one or more of the areas of critical need or address a current issue facing popular music performance/education, music industry education and/or business and leadership topics. Proposals should specifically include justification, rationale, context and/or supporting research/literature related to the program, practice or issue. The proposed format might include a paper presentation, discussion groups or demonstration.

• Programs, Practices and Issues (PPI) Posters will have designated time slots and presentation space assigned in the conference schedule. Poster presenters will be present to display and discuss their work during the time assigned. Submission requirements are Identical to those for PPI Presentations.

• Research Posters are for those interested in presenting original research that has not yet been published or presented in a similar forum. Research should be related to the conference themes of popular music, music industry and business/leadership.

• Panel Discussion proposals should describe the panel topic(s) and presenters who will be included in the panel (up to 5 people + a moderator if desired). Proposals should specifically include justification, rationale, context and/or supporting research/literature related to the program, practice or issue.

“The significance of this conference extends beyond its role as a gathering for professionals, students and enthusiasts,” commented Marissa Guarriello, Director of Music Programming. “By providing a space for discussions on programs, practices and issues in music business and education, the conference actively addresses the current needs and challenges facing these fields. The call for a wide range of proposal submission topics, with a focus on engagement and interactivity, ensures that the sessions will not only be informative but also enriching for the participants.”

Throughout the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops, engage in Q&A sessions with industry experts and connect with like-minded individuals. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative experience that will empower you both professionally and creatively. Join us on this journey to shape the future of music education and industry leadership.

To be considered as a presenter, please submit a session proposal at Musikfest.org/conference.  For questions, please contact Marissa Guarriello at mguarriello@artsquest.org.

The cost to attend the full two-day conference is $90; single days are $50; student pricing is $40. Add a Musikfest mug and a single general admission ticket to a Mainstage show for $20. Conference registration will be announced this spring.

About ArtsQuest  
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which over 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.