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A driving principal behind the Dallas Festival of Modern Music is the belief that new music is for everyone.  To that end, we sponsor and organize a number of education initiatives to help audience of all ages develop a deep respect and concern for contemporary art.  Our education programs target audiences of all ages, from elementary school students to the lifetime concertgoer, and learners of all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

- Our afterschool program presented in conjunction with Big Thought and Thriving Minds.  Presented by leading musicologists or area new music specialists, these age appropriate demonstrations help students to broaden their conception on what music is.  While every lecturer has their own unique presentation, common themes include exploration and performance of "found sounds" and music affectation.  Any school or teacher wanting to schedule a free Modern Music Alive! presentation at their school may find out more by clicking here.

- Typically geared towards middle and high school aged band, orchestra, and choir students, our master class program puts professional level musicians in small group or private instruction settings.  While these presentations will naturally be of a more technical nature specific to a given instrument, efforts are made to correctly teach and reinforce relevant modern performance techniques.  Clinicians will also often give a brief solo performance for classes that features at least one contemporary musical work.  Teachers wishing to schedule a clinician for their class may find out more by clicking here.

- Preceding many concerts given in conjunction with the Dallas Festival of Modern Music, a pre-concert lecture will help orient audiences to better understand the upcoming performance.  Presenters include conductors, soloists, or other performers who are eager to share their insight in to the program.  Audiences that attend pre-concert lectures develop "listening anchors" that make the actual performance more meaningful, and they are more likely to leave concerts hungry to approach other contemporary art mediums that were previously perceived as unapproachable.  Scheduled Concert Connection events are listed on our performance calendar. 

- Following many of our performances, join fellow concertgoers at a local house for a chance to engage composers, conductors, and performers in conversation.  Enjoy a glass of wine while you discuss the evening's performance and make a personal connection with the artists of the festival.  Please feel free to bring the kids along to these family-friendly events.

- A play on the commonly-used term "Artist-in-Residence, this is a unique opportunity for select individuals to develop strong ties with artists from out of town by hosting them in their home.  This year, a lucky individual or family will get to host rising star Jessica Abel.  In addition, several other individuals will have the opportunity to meet and engage with guest artists by hosting them for a meal.  This provides a less intensive way for select hosts to spend quality time with real people with a real passion for modern music.

Some of our 2009 Education Partners and Presenters include

Mary Alice Rich, Voices of Change

Darla Meek, Texas A&M University - Commerce

Lucas Carter, West Texas String Association