Conference Workshops

Monty Harper

Evalyn Harper

The Power of Prosody: Building Readers Through Meter

Monday September 22, 2025 at 6:15pm CT

Singing can be a great tool for developing early literacy skills like vocabulary and phonological awareness. Our workshop will focus on the relationship between these skills and prosody – the way the words and melody of a song work together. Participants will learn how to evaluate songs for their use of prosody, and how to use prosody in their own songwriting to turn any song into a reading song.

Monty Harper (he/him) is an award-wining children’s songwriter and performer.

Evalyn Harper (she/her) is a youth librarian and the facilitator of CMN’s Library Affinity group. This father/daughter duo’s love of reading inspires their shared exploration of how music can be used to support youth literacy.

Julie Hedlund

Nathalia Palis

Kidlit 101: Navigating Traditional and Self-Publishing

Monday September 22, 2025 at 7:30pm CT

Navigating the publishing industry can be daunting, but our panelists are here to help! Julie Hedlund will break down the basics of traditional publishing, including polishing your manuscript, researching agents, and preparing a query package. Nathalia will share her experiences of turning a song into a bilingual book and the process she used to self-publish. 

Julie Hedlund is an award-winning picture book author. Her titles include SONG AFTER SONG: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews, OVER, BEAR! UNDER, WHERE?, MY LOVE FOR YOU IS THE SUN, and A TROOP IS A GROUP OF MONKEYS. Her work explores themes of family, friendship, and the beauty of the natural world.

In addition to writing her own books, Julie helps fellow authors achieve their publishing dreams in her role as Founder of The 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, co-Founder of The Complete Picture Book Submissions System, and a co-Founder of Picture Book Summit.

When not reading or writing, you can find Julie hiking the hills with her dog Pepper near her home in beautiful Boulder, CO, spending time with her now-grown children, or satisfying her wanderlust by traveling (especially to Italy). Find out more about Julie at juliehedlund.com and follow her on Instagram, Bluesky & TikTok (@juliefhedlund).

Nathalia Palis is a Colombian-born children’s songwriter, performer and author based out of Los Angeles, CA. She holds a bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from the Berklee College of Music and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. As a Board Certified Music Therapist and Licensed Marriage Family Therapist Nathalia has worked in a variety of educational and clinical settings including hospitals, schools, nursing homes and treatment centers. Her experience and passion for early childhood music education inspired the formation of First Start Music, a curriculum-based program that serves pre-schools throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.

Nathalia has released five original bilingual albums, several singles and a children's book based off on one of her songs. She cites her South American heritage and passion for bilingual education as driving forces behind the content she creates. Additionally, Nathalia was a grand-prize recipient of the John Lennon Songwriting Competition for her title “Frida Pinta”. As a performer, she has toured extensively in the US and South America performing at notable venues including Wolf Trap (Vienna, VA), Roswell Cultural Center (Roswell, GA), Skirball Cultural Center (Los Angeles, CA), Los Libros Festival (Los Angeles, CA) and many more. As an active member of the Recording Academy and the Latin Recording Academy, Nathalia is an advocate for music makers and enjoys leading workshops on the importance of music in education.  www.NathaliaMusic.com

Ryan Benyo

Music Production (at home!)

Tuesday September 23, 2025 at 5:00pm CT

In this home recording workshop, LA-based producer/engineer Ryan Benyo will guide attendees through the various aspects of setting up and utilizing a home recording studio. Discussions will include computers, recording software/hardware, microphones, home acoustics, speakers/headphones, & more. Basic recording techniques will also be discussed including mic techniques, workflow, signal flow and troubleshooting. This workshop is perfect for beginning students with no prior recording experience or equipment set-up as well as those already recording at home who wish to better understand the tools they already have at their disposal. 3 learning objectives include: what are the basic tools I need to get good quality recordings at home, how can I best use the tools I already have without falling into the "buying more equipment" trap, and finally, which home recording techniques are ideal for the sound I want to achieve utilizing the space and tools I already have.

Andrew & Polly

Podcast Plans with Podcast Pals

Burbling podcast ideas? Podcast and production curiosity? Share ideas, connect with collaborators, get inspired and collect some tips-n-tricks with Andrew and Polly, whose podcast “Ear Snacks” just celebrated a decade of sharing the thoughts and voices of children!

Andrew & Polly (Andrew Barkan & Polly Hall) are GRAMMY-nominated family music artists and the hosts of Ear Snacks, the kids’ podcast that’s “packed with earworms and made with heart” (NY Times). They are founding members of the non-profit Kids Listen, and have given workshops and lectures about kids podcasting at Podcast Movement, Spotify's Sound Up, SXSW, and various schools and libraries. They live in Santa Monica, CA with 3 kids and their many overdue library books.

Trevor Goober

Kaitlin McGaw

AI Yi-Yi! Panel

Join us for a multi-faceted discussion about the opportunities, threats, and ethical considerations around the use of AI. Panelists will share personal experiences, advocacy action items, and ideas about how to manage workflow while respecting creators’ rights.

Moderated by: Kaitlin McGaw of Alphabet Rockers

Trevor Goober is a comedian, musician and actor known in the kindie scene for his children’s music duo The Zing Zangs, all-ages novelty radio show The Goober Hour, and multiple musical appearances on SiriusXM’s Kids Place Live. His work as an artist totals over 800,000 streams on Spotify, 20 million views on TikTok, and 200 million views on YouTube thanks to his role in the kids’ short film series The Girl Without a Phone. He has been featured in the LA Times, Billboard Magazine, and Funny or Die, and regularly performs at both family music festivals and rowdy comedy clubs—striking a shocking balance of humor and heart. He is based in Los Angeles, California.

Kaitlin McGaw (she/her) co-leader of Alphabet Rockers, makes music that makes change. She is a writer, listener and vocalist based in Oakland, CA on Ohlone lands. Kaitlin has a BA in Afro-American Studies from Harvard University and is a deeply committed partner for change. Kaitlin believes radical imagination begins with the way we read, sing, and ask questions of the world. She is a GRAMMY Winner, multi-GRAMMY nominated artist, Emmy-nominated songwriter and published author. Ice breaker: ask her what she's reading right now!

Benny Thatcher

Claudia Robin Gunn

Our Global Community

Wednesday September 24, 2025 at 5:00pm CT

This relationship building has seen a distinct increase in the recognition of our industries and has become the backbone of how we operate. We believe wholeheartedly in the global community and would love the opportunity to share how we have made it work, the hurdles, and the success' and to bring our communities a little closer together. 

Benny Thatcher is the Director of the Not For Profit organization, Major Minor Music Australia. MMMA is an advocacy group for music made for children and families and runs the Australian Children's Music Awards. Considered the industry's peak body, MMMA strives to champion, uplift and celebrate the music made for children in Australia.

Claudia Robin Gunn is a Tūi and APRA NZ winning songwriter and performer, founder of indie kids music label Little Wild Music, Recording Academy voting member and a board member of Kiwi Kids Music. Claudia is passionate about helping her peers navigate the changing music industry, and has spent the past several years adding artist mentorship through Music Manager’s Forum NZ to the strings on her bow, as well as offering her insight to the board of Kiwi Kids Music, originally set up by Suzy Cato ONZM and Arthur Baysting. Claudia is releasing her 8th full album ‘Little Wild Singable Songs’ in 2025, adding to her wide discography of EP’s, singles and collaborations.

Estelle Freedman

Faith Petric

"Singing for Justice": Screening of Faith Petric Documentary

Wednesday September 24, 2025 at 7:30pm CT

Join us for a viewing of the one-hour documentary film "Singing for Justice", followed by a discussion with the co-director/producer, Estelle Freedman, and a short sing along. The objectives are to:

• Inspire/recharge musicians and activists through Faith Petric's history of merging folk music and social justice;
• Educate teachers and the public about the role of song in the social movements she nurtured during her lifetime (1915-2013)
• Suggest ways to incorporate this history and music into performance and teaching.

Estelle Freedman, the Robinson Professor in U.S. History (Emerit) at Stanford University, is the author of multiple books about the histories of women, feminism, and sexuality. An award-winning teacher, she offered a class on "Social Movements through Song." Freedman knew folk musician and activist Faith Petric (1915-2013) for over twenty-five years through the S.F. Folk Music Club and conducted both an extensive oral history (1993) and a StoryCorps interview (2008) with her before co-directing and producing (with Christie Herring) Singing for Justice (2024).

Josh Friedman

Challenge your Listeners

So you have written a great children's song and you want to record it, you want to win the ear of the adults in these children's lives. In this workshop we will explore how to make a great children's song sound good enough to fool the adults that they are not listening to children's music.

Beyond advanced degrees in Music Composition and Classical Guitar Performance, Josh Friedman has won the Tillywig Top Fun, NAPPA award (National Parent Product Award), nominated for the Hollywood Independent Music Awards, and a semifinalist for the International Songwriting Competition. As a versatile musician, Josh has shared the stage and recorded with many, bandleader for Purple Fox and the Heebie Jeebies, where his main instrument is the electric ukulele. Since 2024, Josh has been the president of the South Bay Guitar Society. Josh was the manager for the West Coast Songwriters Palo Alto chapter 2013-2017, and led a monthly song competition that went live on community TV. Josh has obtained song placements in films: Junction, Celebrity Death Pool, Living Lost. And created the theme song to local TV shows Learning Soup and Ask “Dr.” Business.

As a composer, Josh was the winner of the Sound Horizons Composition Competition in 2007, and has 4 collections of solo guitar studies written for his students, with rave reviews.

Mr. Friedman received his education at UC Santa Cruz (M.A., B.A.) studying composition with Paul Nauert and David Cope, and studying guitar with Mesut Özgen and William Coulter. Privately, he has studied with a long list of teachers including Dusan Bogdanovic, Scott Cmiel, and Benjamin Verdery.

Tommy Soulati Shepherd

Kaitlin McGaw

Time Out: Go In

Drop in with Alphabet Rockers for a restorative hour of reflection, journaling and movement forward. We know that each of us brings all of ourselves to our work - and that we bring our music to our families, communities and to our core selves. Take the time to check in - where are you headed in your career path? Is there something brave you are considering as an artist or in your personal life? Let's activate our radical imaginations, build community and put into practice the learning from this year.

Presenters: Alphabet Rockers

Tommy Soulati Shepherd (he/him/they), co-leader of Alphabet Rockers, makes music that makes change. He is an internationally renowned actor, playwright, composer, educator, rapper, drummer, beatboxer and music producer based in the Bay Area. Tommy brings love for family, art, activism and community building to all of his work. He is a GRAMMY Winner, multi-GRAMMY nominated artist, Emmy-nominated songwriter, published author, and recipient the Isabela Duncan Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music/Sound/Text. Ice breaker: ask him about his t-shirt message of the day!

Kaitlin McGaw (she/her) co-leader of Alphabet Rockers, makes music that makes change. She is a writer, listener and vocalist based in Oakland, CA on Ohlone lands. Kaitlin has a BA in Afro-American Studies from Harvard University and is a deeply committed partner for change. Kaitlin believes radical imagination begins with the way we read, sing, and ask questions of the world. She is a GRAMMY Winner, multi-GRAMMY nominated artist, Emmy-nominated songwriter and published author. Ice breaker: ask her what she's reading right now!

Katie Todd

Come on In! Watch an Elementary Music Class in Action

Saturday September 27, 2025 at 9:00am PT

Sponsored by Songs for Teaching

Are you an elementary music educator seeking more effective lesson planning and classroom strategies?
Join us for an engaging and practical session designed specifically for teachers like you. Led by veteran elementary music teacher Katie Todd, this session will feature a live demonstration of a real-time classroom music lesson. Participants are encouraged to actively take part or observe as Katie showcases effective classroom management, student engagement techniques, and time management strategies tailored for music instruction.

Following the demonstration, Katie will guide attendees through her comprehensive lesson planning framework, which will be provided digitally to all participants. She will also facilitate a Q&A session, addressing both the modeled lesson and your individual classroom challenges, offering personalized insights and actionable advice.

This session is ideal for educators teaching Kindergarten through 4th grade in a classroom music setting, as well as those leading school assemblies or music programs. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical tools and inspiration to enhance your teaching and better engage your student

Music is the medium, and helping students feel seen and valued is the goal. This is the fuel behind Maize Elementary School teacher Katie Todd’s music instruction to kindergarten through fourth grade students.

As an active member of the Children’s Music Network she writes original songs for her students to perform and for educators to use in their classrooms.

In 2024 she was selected as the Maize USD 266 Kansas Teacher of the Year Nominee and toured the surrounding districts and spoke with their administrators to advocate for music education and offer opportunities for collaboration.

Todd is driven by her passion to build others up and help them reach their goals. Doing this through the universal language of music is incredibly fulfilling and allows her the rare pleasure of truly loving coming into work everyday. Seeking out new opportunities to share her joy will always be her next step.

Fyütch and Aura V

Writing Music for Kids—with Kids!

Children are our mission, our audience, AND our greatest creative resource, so let them help write the songs! Grammy-nominated artist and educator Fyütch shares how he co-creates music with kids, including his daughter Aura V and students from his 15 years in the classroom. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or teaching artist, you’ll learn how to turn kid-led ideas into meaningful, high-quality songs that children actually want to sing.

Fyütch is a GRAMMY-nominated artist, songwriter, producer, and educator, known for his empowering songs for all-ages.

Fyütch has contributed to award-winning albums, radio-charting songs, and original compositions for TV and family media. His work has been featured on The Today Show and The Nick Cannon Show. Fyütch hosts the kids' podcast Once Upon a Beat, "where Hip-Hop and fairytales meet." His social justice curriculum is taught at schools nationwide.

Aura Valentina Simmons is a joyful 8-year-old superstar lighting up stages like Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. She loves playing violin, Minecraft, and listening to Taylor Swift. In addition to making music with her Dad, she sang on Divinity Roxx’s Grammy-Nominated album ‘Worldwide Playdate.’

Wendy Morgan

Selling Yourself and Your Music: Developing an Elevator Speech

Join Grammy nominated Children’s Music Artist Wendy Morgan in this workshop to help you develop a compelling Elevator Pitch for your next project. In this interactive workshop you will also have the opportunity to role play with your colleagues and will leave confident and prepared to pitch your dream project.

Wendy Morgan is one part of Wendy and DB, a Grammy nominated and award winning children’s music duo from Chicago. Wendy created kids music fest a virtual fundraiser and does the writing, creating, and booking for the duo. Among other accomplishments she has led and created the CMN Affinity group “Be the Change” to discuss lack of diversity in the children’s music genre. Marketing is a passion and is a major part of her work with the group.

Mara Sapon-Shevin

Using Children's Music to Support Children and Families from All Faith Communities

Saturday September 27, 2025 at 10:30am PT

In this workshop participants will be able to:

1. Articulate goals for creating a classroom environment that welcomes and honors children and families from all faith communities
2. Identify classroom practices (including musical ones) that can be perceived as religiously oppressive.
3. Recognize songs that can be used to teach children about different faith communities in ways that are accurate and respectful.

Mara Sapon-Shevin is a long time member of the Children's Music Network and recently retired as Professor of Inclusive Education from Syracuse University. She proudly embraces all the "forbidden" words -- diversity, equity and inclusion -- and works actively for social justice. In addition to music, she loves, dancing and quilting.

Lucy Kalantari

Who Did What Now?

Join multiple Grammy award winning artist and producer Lucy Kalantari to learn about music credits and why they’re important in this digital world-In the world of children’s music, community and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. But in today’s fast-moving digital music landscape, it’s easy to overlook one crucial piece: credits. Drawing on over 20 years of releasing music, she will share how taking the time to properly credit your collaborators helps us lift each other up—so we can all grow and thrive together. In this session, we’ll explore how crediting works, why it matters more than ever, and what to do when things go wrong. Whether you're a solo artist or part of a larger team, this workshop will empower you to bring intention and care to every release.

Lucy Kalantari is a 2x GRAMMY® Award winning artist, composer and producer passionate about creating children’s media that brings joy, inspires community and highlights the power of resilience. Born to Dominican and Puerto Rican parents, she is a songwriter for the new “Dora” now on Paramount+ and internationally on Nick Jr.

Mega Ran

Call And Response: Writing Children's Hip-Hop Songs

Do you have dreams of creating a Hip Hop track for your next release? Or maybe you want to teach your students how to create their own!  Learn about how to write and perform catchy tracks with upbeat messages and sticky choruses in this songwriters workshop with chart topping family music artist Mega Ran!

Mega Ran is a former middle school teacher turned rapper, songwriter, producer, podcast host and author who makes crowd powered interactive and fun music inspired by games, science fiction and pop culture. A pioneer of the “nerdcore” music subgenre, he’s rocked audiences all over the world, placing music in million-selling video games (Mortal Kombat, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), TV programming (WWE, AEW) and films (Clerks III).

The “Teacher/Rapper/Hero” has 7 albums that have placed on Billboard and is the first rapper ever to be licensed by a major game developer (Capcom). Today as a foster parent, Mega Ran creates family friendly art, bringing songs of positivity, kindness and togetherness to crowds of all ages

Nicole Porter

Reframing Support for Children Through Music

Saturday September 27, 2025 at 3:15pm PT

Led by Nicole Porter-Former director of child therapy after the Sandy Hook tragedy and founder of the Emerald Sketch Art Therapy Response Team-this workshop empowers music educators with tools to better support children in group learning settings. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how creative development and traumatic memory works in children, and how music can both awaken difficult emotions as well as help integrate them. Leave with joyful, mindful strategies to keep all ages engaged and supported.

Nicole Porter has dedicated her professional life to integrating Creative Arts Therapy programs after American Terror and International War or devastation. She is a pioneer, constantly using her early childhood music like a magical doorway for communication and awareness.

As the Clinical director for the Emerald Sketch Nicole practices and believes in the power of music to transform. As a songwriter, producer, artist, and creative arts psychotherapist, she experiences how creativity helps children and families to process, heal, and change.

Aaron Bertram

Make It a Show: Turning Songs into Stories & Setups into Success

In children’s music, it’s not just about great songs—it’s about delivering a show that tells a story, captivates your audience, and leaves presenters wanting more.In this fun and practical session, Aaron Bertram from Kids Imagine Nation breaks down how to craft a professional, engaging live show—even with limited gear and budget. You’ll learn how to go beyond just a setlist and create an experience that feels seamless, intentional, and bookable.

Aaron Bertram is a performer, producer, and member of the high-energy children’s music group Kids Imagine Nation. With hundreds of live shows under their belt—from school assemblies and libraries to theaters and Theme Parks, Including The Disneyland Resort and Legoland—Aaron brings a wealth of real-world experience to the stage.

Known for combining catchy music, engaging storylines, and a polished, professional presentation, Kids Imagine Nation has built a loyal fanbase both in-person and online. Aaron specializes in crafting live performances that are fun, affordable, and scalable—helping independent artists deliver quality shows that get them booked again and again.

Whether working solo or as part of a team, Aaron is passionate about empowering other children’s performers to level up their gear, build compelling shows, and bring their music to life in a way that truly connects with kids and families.