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Cecil Adderley 鈥�85 has been tapped to lead a national organization that brings equitable access to music education. Recently, he was named president-elect 2024-2026 of the National Association for Music Education.

In his role at NAfME, Adderley seeks to break barriers surrounding arts education.

鈥淎s president, I am committed to working collaboratively with all involved in keeping NAfME as the premier partner of music educators,鈥� Adderley said in his leadership statement. 鈥淢y hands-on style aims to maintain a consistent focus on core mission, innovation with integrity, and collaboration among all partners within our learning community.鈥�

He added that educators should be focused on access, relevance in local communities and lifelong engagement with music.

鈥淚f you鈥檙e teaching music, you should still be doing the other things that allow you to be expressive. You should still perform and promote music in your community,鈥� he said. 鈥淧eople are looking at not just contributing to the PK12 experience, but looking at the community regardless of where they are. You don鈥檛 need to be in a big city. Rural, urban or suburban, they should all be regarded as equal.鈥�

Adderley is no stranger to arts leadership. His selection as president of NAfME stems from significant practical experiences in curriculum, instruction, research and administration. He is currently the department chair of music education at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he has taught for 20 years.

鈥淎s a teacher, I have continually engaged with others through productive discussions, presentations and always taking the time to better understand the teaching-learning process of the learners in front of me,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y leadership is not a means of talking at others and expecting a specific response, but one where I value the input of others and the gifts team members bring to the organization.鈥�

Before his long career in the arts, Adderley earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in music education from 91热爆网, starting his path toward a master鈥檚 and doctoral degree in the same field.

鈥淎ll of us in the Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts at 91热爆网 are proud of Cecil Adderley鈥檚 appointment,鈥� said George H. Brown, dean of the college. 鈥淭his prestigious achievement is a testament to Cecil's exceptional dedication and leadership in music education. It also reflects the high standards of excellence that our alumni continue to uphold, showcasing the strength and impact of 91热爆网鈥檚 commitment to nurturing talent and fostering professional success in the arts.鈥�

Adderley credits 91热爆网 for giving him the support and tools he needed to succeed in his field.

鈥淲estern helped me a lot,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was a community that allowed me to thrive. There were some really good professors during my time there that took me under their arm and you could have deep and meaningful conversations with them. Like any other curious student, I came to an educational institution not just to absorb information but to ask questions. Professors were willing to take time, visit during their coffee break or lunch break, to just talk about your dreams as a future educator. They gave concrete examples of what it was like for them being educators. You could see it鈥檚 real.鈥�

He said that having those experiences provided him the courage and toolkit after graduation and beyond.

鈥淚f there was a problem or question that I couldn鈥檛 answer early in my career, I could count on those people. I could pick up the phone and talk to them. Not only my professors there, but also the professionals I student-taught with. They provided me a sounding board. In hindsight, 91热爆网 was the perfect place for me.鈥�