A wide variety of performance opportunities await our students each year, with orchestras, bands, choirs and opera, jazz nonets and combos, small ensembles, and more.
A variety of programs and initiatives operate continuously or annually to enhance learning experiences and help students prepare for their future in music.
The MSU College of Music supports and challenges students, values innovation and creativity, and helps every community member achieve professional excellence.

Michigan State University’s New Directions in Music Education Conference is an innovative event that explores progressive approaches and contemporary issues in music education. It brings together educators, researchers, and practitioners to share cutting-edge practices, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and collaborate on new ideas to advance the field. The conference features keynote speakers, workshops, and presentations, fostering a dynamic environment for professional growth and networking among music education professionals.
New Directions in Music Education Conference 2025
The 2025 New Directions in Music Education Conference, Cultivating Creativity, will take place September 26–27, 2025 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. The conference will include keynote speakers, workshops, musicking, paper sessions, a poster session, and a reception.
Travel:
There are several options for getting to Michigan State University. Typically, Detroit Metro Airport offers the least expensive fares, but if you fly into Detroit, you must rent a car or take the Michigan Flyer bus to East Lansing (it’s nice!). This is a roughly 90-minute trip by car and longer by bus. The Capital Region International Airport is much closer—15 minutes from campus—but fares tend to be higher. Other airport options include Grand Rapids or Flint. Rail travel to East Lansing is somewhat limited. Check Amtrak for possible routes.
Hotel:
The conference hotel is the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, which is also the location of all conference sessions. Please make your room reservations directly by calling the hotel at 800-875-5090 or online here. Use the room block code 1132. We have a special conference rate of $129 per night. The block of rooms will be released on August 23, 2025.
Please contact Conference Organizer Stuart Chapman Hill if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you in September!