National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
The University of North Georgia's (UNG) collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) received a 2022 Collegiate Chapter of Excellence award from the national group in the professional development category.
The University of North Georgia chapter of the Collegiate National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is the professional organization for future music educators. Membership is open to Bachelor of Music majors with concentrations in music education who will receive professional certification to teach in the public school systems. Membership is also open to Bachelor of Music majors with concentrations in Performance or Musical Arts who may teach in private studios or in other settings.
The NAfME among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century.
Since 1907, NAfME has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. NAfME’s activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education.
Chapter Leadership
Bethany Bruning - President
Bethany Bruning is in her third year as a BA of Music, Instrumental Music Education major at the University of North Georgia. Her principal instrument is euphonium, which she studies under the direction of Doctor Adam Frey. She is a current member of UNG’s Wind Ensemble, Golden Eagle Band, and Low Brass Ensemble. Bethany has always had a passion for music, and she loves that she can share that passion with the rest of the community at UNG. She believes that no matter where you start as a musician, with hard work and dedication you can reach any goal. This will be Bethany's third year in CNAfME, and she is grateful to take on the position of President. Bethany is not only working to help CNAfME grow as an organization but also toward her future as a music educator with the help of her peers and professors.
Hayden Starr - Vice President
Hayden Starr is a third-year BA of Music, Instrumental Music Education Major, and second-year Vocal Performance Major. Hayden has been involved in everything music since middle school. He enjoys every moment of his music studies alongside his brother Logan Starr, who is a fourth-year Instrumental Music Education Major. Hayden spent his first two years at UNG on the Gainesville Campus, performing with the band and choir and providing leadership in both ensembles. As well, he served as the Gainesville Ambassador for CNAfME during his second year. Now serving as this year’s CNAfME Vice President, he is excited to help provide many great events and learning opportunities for the music students of UNG.
Charlotte Nease - Treasurer
Charlotte Nease is in her third year at UNG and has been a part of CNAfME since her first year. She is majoring in BA of Music, with a concentration in Musical Arts, and minoring in psychology. Her principal instrument is the piano, takes secondary lessons in voice and recently received the 2024 award for Rising Musician. She loves to sing with the University Singers, accompany friends in recitals, and most of all, make music and have fun doing it. Charlotte has always been passionate about music and playing it, starting lessons at seven years old, and she hopes to open her own studio to pass on and be the inspiration she received from past teachers. She has learned so much in the last two years at UNG, and she is looking forward to this next year and the opportunities it will provide.
Maggie Mosley - Secretary
Maggie Mosley is a 4th year music student. She is a music education major with a concentration in instrumental education. Her primary applied instrument is upright bass, but she also plays the violin in orchestra and the fiddle in the UNG String Band. She is passionate about music education and believes that every child should have the chance to experience music like she did. She plans to teach elementary general music with the intention to initiate a new generation of musicians.
