Doja Cat

Doja Cat

Photo: Andrew Lipovsky/NBC/Getty Images

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From Drake's "Toosie Slide" To Doja Cat's "Say So," What TikTok Dance Have You Been Practicing During Quarantine?

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There's also Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé's "Savage," The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights, Dua Lipa's "Don't Start Now" and more to get your TikTok on to
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
May 14, 2020 - 4:34 pm

2020 has become the year of quarantine, livestreams and TikTok, with popular songs on the micro-video social media platform continually topping the charts. On this week's Billboard Hot 100, Doja Cat's "Say So" remix featuring Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage" remix featuring Beyoncé, The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" and Drake's "Toosie Slide" each take the top four spots, consecutively, and all have popular dances on TikTok.

So, for this week's GRAMMY.com poll, we want to know what TikTok dance you've been perfecting during quarantine? And if you're still on the fence about joining Gen Z's favorite platform, which dance would maybe get you to make your debut?

How Jake Miller Mastered TikTok To Connect With Fans During Lockdown

Let us know in the poll below, and read on to find out more about each song.

Polls

What TikTok dance have you been practicing during quarantine?

"Bored in the House" is a goofy song birthed by quarantine, beginning when Detroit rapper Curtis Roach posted the original clip rapping and snapping, "Okay I'm bored in the house and I'm in the house bored," encouraging others to share it on TikTok. It took off on the platform, and Los Angeles rapper Tyga jumped on board to turn it into a song, released late March, obviously, called "Bored in the House."

What Music Goes Viral On TikTok?

On April 17, North Carolina rap powerhouse DaBaby dropped his latest album, BLAME IT ON BABY, featuring "Rockstar" with L.A.'s Roddy Ricch. A few of DaBaby's other buoyant rap tracks, including "Toes," have been popular among TikTokers, and his opening bars of "Rockstar" ("Brand new Lamborghini, f*** a cop car …Have you ever met a real n*** rockstar?") spawning a new dance challenge. The track currently holds the No. 9 spot on the Hot 100.

WATCH LIST: Online Concerts From Prince To Kaskade To Catch During Coronavirus Quarantine

When Doja Cat released the '70s-inspired music video for "Say So," earlier this year, TikTokers were thrilled to see that not only did the "Juicy" artist incorporate the TikTok dance moves into the choreography, the dance's teenage creator Haley Sharpe (who has 1.6 million followers on the platform) made a cameo! Just this month, the rapper/singer/fashionista followed with a new version of the "Say So" featuring rap queen Nicki Minaj. The duo now have a No. 1 Hot 100 song on their hands, the first-ever for Doja.

Poll: From "Savage" To "03' Bonnie & Clyde," What's Your Favorite Beyoncé Feature?

Drake is no stranger to topping the charts and streaming platforms with his infectious, melodic brand of hip-hop. Now, with April's "Toosie Slide," he's created the perfect TikTok hit, complete with simple dance instructions in the lyrics and a demonstration in the music video. The song debuted at No. 1 (it's currently at No. 4 after five weeks in the top 10) and flooded TikTok feeds. Even Anthony Hopkins, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger have gotten on board via their officially TikTok accounts.

Back in fall 2019, British dance-pop queen Dua Lipa dropped the joyfully disco-nodding "Don't Start Now," which would eventually be revealed as the lead single to 2020's Future Nostalgia. Even though the album is filled with more great dance bops, "Don't Start Now" remains an incredibly popular dance on the video platform. The nu disco bop is currently No. 6 on the Hot 100.

Just ahead of his February album, Changes, Justin Bieber dropped "Intentions" featuring Quavo, along with a heartwarming music video starring Los Angeles' Alexandria House residents dancing along with the duo. The mellow track's chorus, where Bieber sings, "Picture perfect, you don't need no filter," has spawned many more amateur dance stars on TikTok.

Apparently, if you want a TikTok hit, you might want to get a Migo's Quavo on your track. Underground Atlanta rapper K Camp has been dropping mixtapes since 2011, but with 2019's "Lottery (Renegade)," and the viral Renegade TikTok dance the followed months later helped him, well, hit the lottery. 14-year old dancer Jalaiah Harmon uploaded her choreography to the dance in fall 2019 to Instagram, which took of there and was then copied on TikTok. It is widely cited as the most popular TikTok dance right now, and since its initial popularity, Camp dropped a Quavo-supported remix, further boosting its reach.

Like Doja, Houston rap hero Megan Thee Stallion brought on a superstar for a remix of her latest single, resulting in her highest-charting single ever. With the Beyoncé-supported remix of SUGA EP cut "Savage," the Houston hotties are currently No. 2 on the Hot 100. TikTokers were already dancing to the original version of the track and understandably are also dancing to the fire remix. The "Hot Girl Summer" rapper even recently uploaded a compilation video of dances to the remix to her YouTube account.

In late 2019, The Weeknd released the fabulously synthy "Blinding Lights," the second lead single to 2020's After Hours. In late March, as quarantine began to get the better of us, the enchanting track took off on TikTok, with an adorable trend of kids getting their parents and siblings to dance with them. Perhaps there is a TikTok star in all of us, if you're stuck inside long enough. 

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Beyoncé and JAY-Z

Beyoncé and JAY-Z

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation

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Poll: From "Savage" To "03' Bonnie & Clyde," What's Your Favorite Beyoncé Feature?

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From her latest verses on Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage Remix" all the way back to "03' Bonnie & Clyde" in 2002 with JAY-Z, we want to know: What Queen Bey feature is your very favorite?
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
May 1, 2020 - 9:16 am

If you haven't heard Megan Thee Stallion's new "Savage Remix" featuring Beyoncé, do yourself a favor and press play on that Houston fire right now.

The internet—Stallion included—understandably lost their minds this past week over the Queen Bey-supported version of the catchy, confident track whose proceeds support their hometown's Bread Of Life COVID-19 relief efforts.

Listen: Beyoncé & Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage Remix" To Benefit Houston COVID-19 Relief

Now that we've all heard the latest golden vocals the 24-time GRAMMY winner has offered on another artist's track, we want to know: what is your favorite Beyoncé feature ever?

Vote in our latest poll below to let us know, and read on for a quick refresh on the songs.

Polls

What's Your Favorite Beyoncé Feature?

 

Back in June 2017, J Balvin and Willy William's joyful reggaetón track "Mi Gente" was everywhere and firmly established Balvin as a global superstar. Two months later, Beyoncé came on for a remix of the already inescapable track, delivering electric vocals in Spanish and English for another good cause—disaster relief in Puerto Rico, Mexico and the Caribbean. In December, she joined forces with pop singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran to turn his ÷ (Divide) love song "Perfect" into the "Perfect Duet."

Related: Beyoncé's BeyGOOD Foundation Announces $6M COVID-19 Relief Efforts

Two years prior, in December 2015, Coldplay dropped their GRAMMY-nominated seventh album, A Head Full Of Dreams, along with the euphoric pop track "Hymn for the Weekend," which opens with angelic vocals from Beyoncé. While technically not credited as a featured artist, she brings the track to heavenly heights and serves up goddess realness in the music video when it was released a single in early 2016.

In 2014, rap queen Nicki Minaj dropped her GRAMMY-nominated third studio album, The Pinkprint, along with a fierce Beyoncé collab in the form of bad b**** anthem "Feeling Myself." The song got new life in 2018 at Beychella in the form of an enchanting mashup with "Flawless." And before the world was gifted a Destiny's Child reunion on that Coachella stage, Kelly Rowland's 2013 track "You Changed," featuring Beyoncé and Michelle Williams brought the trio back together with R&B girl power perfection.

Dive In: "Say My Name" 20 Years Later: Why The Destiny's Child Staple Is Still On Everyone's Lips

Taking us back to the early '10s, in 2011, "Love A Woman" served up more female-led R&B power with the unstoppable vocal range of Mary J. Blige and Bey. The song was originally recorded for Bey's album 4 but didn't fit the final product—luckily it was released on 10th studio album My Life II…The Journey Continues (Act I). On 2009's "Put It In A Love Song," another fierce, empowered alliance was formed, this time with Alicia Keys, with an upbeat bop asking their lovers to let them know if the love is real, from Keys' The Element Of Freedom.

While there really is something special about the power of a song with Beyoncé slaying with another badass female, there is no denying the impact she's had bringing her feminine power and smoothness to remixes of male artist's tracks, a la "Mi Gente." Almost a decade prior to the Balvin collab, in 2008 she served up an appropriately rich dose of sexy to Usher's "Love in This Club, Pt. II," also featuring Lil Wayne, from Usher's fifth LP, Here I Stand.

This "Formation" singer's best features list would not be complete without inclusion of at least of few of her incredibly talented family members. Way back in December 2002, a then-16-year-old Solange released her debut album, Solo Star, with a sultry jam "Naive" featuring big sis/Destiny's Child lead Bey and '90s rap queen Da Brat. The album wasn't available digitally for years, but the track was recently released on streaming platforms just this year.

More: The Louvre Offers Up Art Tour Based On The Carters' "Apes**t" Video

Finally, in October 2002, back when The Carters were dating, they first shared their love and fierce partnership with the world on JAY-Z's unforgettable "03' Bonnie & Clyde." With this melodic track from his seventh studio album, The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse, the unstoppable Jay and Bey began their reign in music, pop culture and our hearts.

Poll: From "Insecure" To "Euphoria," What On-Air TV Show Has Your Favorite Soundtrack?

Issa Rae

Issa Rae

Photo: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

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Poll: From "Insecure" To "Euphoria," What On-Air TV Show Has Your Favorite Soundtrack?

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There's also "Atlanta," "Empire," "GLOW," "POSE," "High Fidelity," "Stranger Things," and "Westworld"—let us know which show has your favorite tunes!
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Apr 16, 2020 - 3:38 pm

With quarantine meaning more time to catch up on shows and movies for many of us, we want to know: What current TV show do you think has been serving up the best tunes? Vote in our poll below and read on for more info on the music behind some of the biggest series.

Polls

What on-air TV show has your favorite soundtrack?

The Emmy-winning dramedy "Atlanta," whose third and fourth seasons are slated for a 2021 release, sees its creator Donald Glover, a.k.a. Childish Gambino, co-starring as the manager and cousin of a rising ATL rapper. Glover also serves as an executive producer, writer, director and the executive music producer of the acclaimed series, which has featured an eclectic soundtrack including Flying Lotus, 2 Chainz, Yo Gotti, Curtis Mayfield, King Krule and Nas.

Rapper Lil Dicky Talks New TV Show 'Dave' And His Creative Ambitions On- And Off-Screen

Season one of "Dave" just launched last month. A comedy starring goofy rapper Lil Dicky a.k.a. Dave Burd, the show is based on his own rise to fame. The new show features hip-hop tracks from A$AP Rocky, Tyler, The Creator, O.T. Genasis and more. Burd and Jeff Schaffer are the show's co-creators and also serve as executive producers along with Saladin Patterson, Kevin Hart, Greg Mottola, Scooter Braun and a few others.

"Empire," the musical drama depicting the fictional Empire Entertainment hip-hop dynasty has not been without its own off-camera drama, but its sixth season will wrap up the critically acclaimed series this year. The talented cast, including Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard and Bryshere Y. Gray add great original music to an already fire playlist. GRAMMY-winning producer/songwriter Rodney Jerkins, a.k.a. Darkchild, has served as Supervising Music Producer since season three, taking over for fellow GRAMMY-winning production powerhouse Timbaland. This season has included music from Chaka Khan, Khalid, Gladys Knight & The Pips and Ciara.

"Euphoria" is a visually stunning, jarring teen melodrama that unflinchingly looks at addiction, sex, identity, toxic masculinity, social media and more, with a powerful soundtrack and score crafted by musical mastermind Labrinth, executive produced by Drake. With original music from series star Zendaya ("All Of Us"), along with perfectly timed bops from Lizzo, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, Jamie XX, the emotions are high in this new HBO show, whose second season is set to resume filming following the coronavirus shutdown.

‘One World: Together At Home’: Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga + More

Set in Los Angeles in the '80s, the Emmy-winning Netflix series "GLOW," or "Gorgeous Women Of Wrestling," features a synth-heavy, period-appropriate soundtrack featuring hits from Roxette, Billy Joel, The Bangles, Daryl Hall & John Oates and more. The fourth and final season of the show starring Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin and Marc Maron is set to resume production after COVID-19 restrictions lift.

Starring Zoë Kravitz as an obsessive yet effortlessly cool Brooklyn record shop owner Rob, "High Fidelity" has an appropriately edgy, eclectic soundtrack. The new Hulu series is a modern take on the 2000 film of the same name starring John Cusack and Lisa Bonet, Kravitz's mom, both of which are adapted from Nick Hornby's 1995 novel. GRAMMY-winning multi-hyphenate Questlove helps curate the vibes as Executive Music Supervisor, with season one featuring music from David Bowie, Frank Zappa, Fleetwood Mac, OutKast and many more. Episode three even features a perfect cameo from Blondie's Debbie Harry as they listen to "Heart of Glass."

Created by and starring everyone's favorite "Awkward Black Girl" Issa Rae, the flyness of "Insecure"'s soundtrack rivals that of its stars, which also include Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis and Natasha Rothwell. Led by Music Supervisor Kier Lehman, along with an original score from GRAMMY winner Raphael Saadiq, the series features a dope mix of hip-hop and R&B that soundtracks the wave of moods in their L.A. lives, with a strong emphasis on female artists, including Saweetie, Khia, Amber Mark, Kali Uchis and H.E.R. Season four is currently running on HBO.

Vote Now: Which 2000 Album Will You Have On Repeat This Year?

If the music, costumes and fierce dance moves on "POSE" don't make you want to strike a—well, you know—maybe you don't have the volume turned up loud enough. Starring iconic GRAMMY winner Billy Porter, alongside powerhouse rising trans actors Indya Moore, Dominique Jackson and Mj Rodriquez, the Emmy-winning FX show explores the glamour and inequality of late-'80s/early-'90s New York City through the lens of the LGBTQ+ ball scene. Shimmering with disco realness, the series features funky jams from KC & The Sunshine Band, The Gap Band, Chaka Khan, En Vogue and more with Amanda Krieg Thomas serving up the tunes as Music Supervisor. The show was renewed for a third season last year, set to launch after the COVID-19 shutdowns.

Netflix favorite "Stranger Things" is a fantastical, surreal journey set in a small town in the early '80s, in a nod to the golden age of sci-fi/fantasy films like "E.T." and "Labyrinth." Starring Winona Ryder and actors Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard and Noah Schnapp, longtime film and TV music supervisor Nora Felder ("Romy and Michele's High School Reunion," "Californication") bringing the dark, neon-lit '80s mood front and center. The stellar soundtrack includes '70s and '80s hits and deep cuts from Corey Hart, Don McLean, TOTO, The Clash and more.

Music Is Coming: Composer Ramin Djawadi Looks Back On Eight Epic Seasons Of 'Game Of Thrones'

Justin Bieber performs in 2016

Justin Bieber performs in 2016

Photo: David Wolff - Patrick/Redferns

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Justin Bieber, Miguel, The Chainsmokers And More Offer "Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences" For ALL IN Challenge COVID-19 Relief Campaign

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The world's leading artists and entertainers are donating prized possessions and creating one-off experiences to help raise funds for nonprofit organizations working to "eliminate food insecurity during these challenging times"
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
Apr 15, 2020 - 9:50 am

Justin Bieber, Miguel, The Chainsmokers, Meek Mill, Migos member Quavo and Tainy are among some of the superstar artists offering "once-in-a-lifetime" fan experiences and unique items as part of the newly launched ALL IN Challenge, an online fundraiser providing food for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the ALL IN Challenge, the world's leading artists, celebrities, entertainers, athletes and business heads are donating prized possessions and rare items and creating one-off experiences that are then offered online as auction items and raffles through the benefit's website. Users can also donate directly to the fundraiser without participating in the auctions or raffles. 

The money raised through the initiative will benefit several nonprofit organizations working to "eliminate food insecurity during these challenging times," according to the fundraiser's website, including Meals On Wheels, No Kid Hungry and America's Food Fund, which is directly benefiting Feeding America and World Central Kitchen.

Some of the unique items and experiences available now include: a personal visit from Justin Bieber, who will sing his hit "One Less Lonely Girl"—at your house!; a chance to bid on Meek Mill's 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom; exclusive studio time with superproducer Timbaland; and much more.

Other artists and celebrities from the sports, entertainment and business worlds involved in the ALL IN Challenge include Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Ferrell, Tom Brady, Mark Cuban, Magic Johnson, Tony Hawk, Ryan Seacrest, rapper Yo Gotti, TikTok stars Charli + Dixie and many others. 

Created by Michael Rubin, the founder and executive chairman of global licensed sports retailer and merchandiser Fanatics and Philadelphia 76ers partner, the ALL IN Challenge, operated and sponsored by the All In Challenge Foundation, has already raised more than $2.5 million since launching Tuesday (April 14), at the time of this writing. 

Read: Recording Academy And MusiCares Establish COVID-19 Relief Fund

In a video post shared on the Fanatics Instagram page announcing the fundraiser, Rubin explained his vision behind the ALL IN Challenge. "Together what we wanna do, is literally build the largest movement with all the best entertainers, celebrities, athletes, business titans, coming together to make a real impact on this issue ... If we all work together, I think we can make a huge impact on feeding people."

According to the fundraiser's website, "The ALL IN Challenge aims to be the world's largest digital fundraiser in history by raising tens of millions of dollars to feed those in need. Food insecurity is a mounting issue but never more important than during COVID-19 and the unprecedented shortage of food resources our nation is facing."

Since going live, the fundraiser has attracted backing from several major artists and celebrities who have shared their involvement and support on social media.

Performing Rights Organizations ASCAP, BMI & SESAC Join In Support Of MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund

Shirley Manson (L) and Richard James Burgess (R) speak at SXSW 2019

Shirley Manson (L) and Richard James Burgess (R) speak at SXSW 2019

 

Photo: Mike Jordan/Getty Images for SXSW

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Learning In Quarantine: 5 Virtual Music Industry Conferences To Enhance Your Career

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The Recording Academy has compiled some of the free and low-cost online music industry conferences worth attending to help elevate your career and craft in 2020
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
May 24, 2020 - 2:19 pm

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to halt the global live music industry, the concert business and artist community have shifted toward a novel online business model via livestreaming and digital concerts. Music industry conferences, too, have had to rethink their approach in the era of quarantine and stay-at-home orders. 

Luckily for aspiring music industry heads and artists alike, many conferences are going fully digital this year. 

Below, we've compiled some of the free and low-cost virtual music industry conferences worth attending to enhance your career and craft in 2020.

ASCAP Experience: Home Edition

When: Beginning May 28, every Thursday from 3-6 p.m. EST through the end of July

Cost: Registration is free and open to the public

Where: ASCAP Experience: Home Edition website

ASCAP, one of the leading performance-rights organizations (PRO) in the U.S., this month launches ASCAP Experience: Home Edition, a virtual version of their premier music industry conference, ASCAP Experience. The newly announced long-term digital initiative brings the best of ASCAP Experience—industry insight and firsthand know-how from executives and thought-leaders across all sectors of the music biz—directly to your home. Each week, the digital conference will tackle real-time industry topics, including monetization, music publishing and mental and physical wellness, and will feature leading songwriters, producers, music publishers and members of the ASCAP team.

Read: Performing Rights Organizations ASCAP, BMI & SESAC Join In Support Of MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund

The inaugural ASCAP Experience: Home Edition kicks off next week (May 28) with a stacked guest lineup featuring: two-time GRAMMY winner Shaggy alongside his manager and Cherrytree Records founder Martin Kierszenbaum; songwriters Whitney Phillips and Gian Stone, who will discuss "Stuck With U," the chart-topping super-collaboration from Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber; hit songwriter Priscilla Renea; and others.

Most programming will be available on-demand after each session for those unavailable to attend the live webcast.

Success With Music Virtual Music Conference 

When: May 29-31

Cost: Free

Where: Modern Musician website

Presented by music industry resource website Modern Musician, this three-day online conference is inviting 15 experts who'll discuss a wide range of topics geared toward artists looking to attract and grow their fan base and make a sustainable living out of their art.

Billed as "the biggest online music conference in the world," the 2020 Success With Music Virtual Music Conference will feature Taylor Swift's former manager Rick Barker and Bandsintown CEO Fabrice Sergent, as well as multiplatinum songwriters, producers and more. 

Topics will include music licensing, content marketing, social media, email marketing, brand marketing and more. 

Virtual Music Conference

When: June 4

Cost: £20 per ticket (approximately $24)

Where: Virtual Music Conference website

Billed as the "world's first online dance music conference," the aptly titled Virtual Music Conference is a brand-new online event focusing on the issues and topics affecting the global electronic and dance music world. Geared toward music biz newcomers and those looking to advance their careers, the one-day interactive event will comprise live and archived keynote speeches, panels and discussions with some of the leading artists and industry figures within the genre. 

Topics at the inaugural Virtual Music Conference will include live touring, monetization, social media, music rights, promotion, record labels and more. Confirmed speakers and guests include artists like Louie Vega, Mark Knight, Sacha Robotti and Judge Jules, as well as representatives from labels and companies like SoundCloud, Mixcloud, Beatport, Toolroom, Anjunabeats, BBC Radio 1 and Defected, among many others. 

Read: How Will Coronavirus Shift Electronic Music? Maceo Plex, Paul Van Dyk, Luttrell, Mikey Lion & DJ Manager Max Leader Weigh In

Virtual Music Conference, presented by house and techno imprint Toolroom Records and digital label services company Label Worx, will donate all profits from ticket sales to charities supporting the music industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All sessions will be recorded and made available for online viewing for those unable to attend the live webcast. 

Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC)

When: June 9-13

Cost: Free

Where: LAMC website

As the leading music conference specializing in Latin music and culture, Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) has helped elevate the genre from a once-alternative scene to a global mainstream movement. Originally scheduled for July, LAMC 2020, which marks the conference's 21st annual installment, is going fully digital next month due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

This year's panel discussions will explore a number of pressing topics impacting the Latin music industry and artist community, including mental health for artists and creators, playlisting, music publishing, finance for musicians and entertainment companies and more. LAMC 2020 will also feature a special conversation with and celebration of the women making a difference in the Latin music industry.

Read: WATCH LIST: Online Concerts From BTS To COASTCITY To Catch During Coronavirus Quarantine

In addition to the panels, LAMC 2020 will also feature workshops, showcases and networking opportunities. While no artists have been announced yet, past performers include Julieta Venegas, Natalia Lafourcade, Ana Tijoux, Mon Laferte and others. 

International Music Education Summit

When: June 11-13

Cost: $97

Where: International Music Education Summit website

This three-day online conference and clinic is geared toward practical learning and applicable professional development for music educators and K-12 teachers. International Music Education Summit (IMES) livestreams workshops, clinics, performances, presentations and product demonstrations from music education experts from around the world. 

Read: How The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation Has Been Quietly Helping Schools By Donating Musical Instruments

Topics will include copyright, adaptive music instruction for learners with disabilities, educational and music technology, ensemble recording and much more. The conference will also include livestreamed performances, including student performances and student ensembles.

IMES offers on-demand viewing of all the 2020 sessions for at least one year after the event as well as networking opportunities with other attendees via a private Facebook group. All attendees will also receive a professional development completion certificate after finishing the conference. 

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