About Us

Since 1920, TMEA has worked to ensure excellence in music education for all Texas students. Over 13,000 school music educators are TMEA members belonging to one of five TMEA Divisions: Band, Orchestra, Vocal, Elementary and College. A Vice-President is elected in statewide elections to guide the activities of each division.

On behalf of its members and Texas students, TMEA carefully monitors the actions of all state decision-making bodies on issues affecting fine arts instruction in Texas. In addition to many member benefits, TMEA offers professional development opportunities for its members with Region workshops and especially with its annual Clinic/Convention. TMEA supports the future of music education by offering scholarships to music education majors and by sponsoring the Texas Future Music Educators, an organization through which high school students interested in careers in music education learn more about what to expect in their college education and future careers.

Music Is Elemental

Across cultures, generations, languages, and beliefs, music shapes our lives and creates endless possibilities to connect with others. Music broadens our horizons as human beings and allows us to explore new ideas, to fail, and then to try again. Music education stimulates, challenges, and enriches. It is a catalyst for personal growth—in academic performance, self-confidence and self-esteem, multicultural respect, social engagement, cognitive development, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Every child deserves the opportunity to explore this most elemental aspect of human existence. Every child benefits when they can make music part of their school day.

Our Commitment to Music Education for All

All students at every level deserve a well-balanced education that includes a comprehensive, high-quality, sequential program of music taught by teachers who are certified in music education. All students should have this opportunity regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, disability, economic status, religious background, or other unique characteristics. TMEA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in music education. Through their music education, students at every level should explore the music and traditions of a wide variety of cultures, musical styles, forms, and genres.

Our Anthem

“It All Begins With Music” is based on a theme from Sailing the Sky, the work TMEA commissioned Frank Ticheli to write in honor of our association’s centennial. Ticheli gave this work as a gift to TMEA and its members.

Go to the anthem page to download PDFs of the anthem, arranged for voice, winds, and strings, and listen to VOCES8 in their stunning performance of our anthem during the 2021 TMEA Clinic/Convention.