OMEA Harmony 2025
A Conference Dedicated to Embracing Musical Diversity and Inclusion
The Ontario Music Educators' Association (OMEA) is set to host its highly anticipated annual conference, Harmony 2025, from November 6-8, 2025, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport & Conference Centre. This year's conference promises to be a transformative gathering that celebrates the power of music education to build inclusive communities and serve diverse populations.
Theme: "Celebrating Music as Community in All Its Forms"
Harmony 2025 is described as a "community-focused conference" with a vision to "embrace the natural dissonances and consonances that coexist in our daily lives as musicians and music educators." The conference's philosophical foundation draws inspiration from educator Roger Mantie's work in "Community Music at the Boundaries," which emphasizes that "The real power of community music lies not in the fiction of trying to eliminate boundaries (or pretending they don't exist) but in embracing the challenge of 'walking them', our hope is to increase the participation of those who are marginalized, vulnerable, underrepresented or underserviced."
This theme reflects OMEA's commitment to equity and accessibility in music education, as outlined in their Equity Action Plan. By "broadening our horizons we can better serve the needs of our diverse population of students," the conference aims to provide practical strategies and philosophical frameworks for creating more inclusive musical experiences.
Partnership and Collaboration
Harmony 2025 is proudly produced in partnership with the Canadian Music Industry Education Committee (CMIEC), bringing together educational expertise with industry insights to create a comprehensive professional development experience for music educators across Canada.
Conference Programming and Opportunities
Professional Development Sessions
The conference features a diverse array of workshops, presentations, and interactive sessions designed to address the needs of music educators at all levels. The application deadline for presenters has passed, indicating a robust selection process that ensures high-quality programming.
Keynote Sessions
The conference includes keynote sessions that will address the central themes of community, inclusion, and the transformative power of music education in diverse settings.
Research Component
OMEA/CMIEC Research Sessions provide opportunities for educators to share evidence-based practices and contribute to the growing body of research in music education, particularly focusing on community-centered approaches.
Performance Opportunities
The conference includes performance information, allowing educators and students to showcase their musical achievements and learn from diverse musical traditions and practices.
Registration and Accessibility
Pricing Structure
The conference offers tiered pricing to accommodate different needs and budgets:
Full Conference (Thursday-Saturday):
- Early Bird: $340
- Regular: $404
- Late: $466
- On-Site: $580
One-Day Conference:
- Early Bird: $242
- Regular: $292
- Late: $342
- On-Site: $456
Prices do not include HST, and registration requires current OMEA membership throughout the entire event. Early Bird pricing ends on September 26th, with late registration beginning after October 31st.
Student Involvement
Student volunteer registration will open in the spring, providing opportunities for emerging music educators to engage with the conference and gain valuable professional development experience.
Technology and Communication
All conference information will be available through the WHOVA app during the week of the conference, ensuring participants have easy access to schedules, updates, and networking opportunities.
Administrative Support
The conference provides a dedicated letter to administrators, helping music educators communicate the value of their professional development participation to their school leadership.
Accommodations
Special OMEA rates are available at the Delta Hotels Airport & Conference Centre, providing convenient and affordable lodging options for conference attendees.
Looking Forward: A Vision for Inclusive Music Education
Harmony 2025 represents more than just a professional development conference; it embodies a commitment to transforming music education through community engagement and inclusive practices. The OMEA's mission is to "provide advocacy, professional support, and community to music educators so that every learner is able to access reflective and responsive music education."
The organization prioritizes "equitable and accessible music education as identified in the OMEA Equity Action Plan," making this conference a crucial gathering for educators committed to serving all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The Broader Impact
As music educators navigate the complexities of modern classrooms and diverse student populations, Harmony 2025 offers a timely opportunity to explore how music can serve as a bridge-builder, community-creator, and tool for social justice. The conference's emphasis on embracing both consonance and dissonance in musical and educational contexts reflects a mature understanding of how authentic community is built through acknowledging and celebrating differences rather than minimizing them.
For music educators across Canada and beyond, Harmony 2025 promises to be a transformative experience that will influence teaching practices, student engagement, and community building for years to come. By "celebrating Music as Community in all its' forms," this conference stands as a testament to the power of music education to create positive change in our schools and communities.
Registration is now open at the OMEA website. For more information about membership, conference details, and professional development opportunities, visit omea.on.ca/events/harmony-2025