VISION STATEMENT

High-quality music education for all Illinois Learners

MISSION STATEMENT 

The Illinois Music Education Association exists to advocate for universal access to comprehensive music education; deliver exemplary professional development for educators; and provide outstanding musical experiences for all Illinois learners facilitated by licensed music educators.

STATEMENT ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & ACCESS

The Illinois Music Education Association believes the diversity of our students and educators strengthens our organization, and people engage best when they know they are valued. We strive to honor this diversity in our conductors, clinicians, and repertoire, so every Illinois student and teacher can see themselves reflected in ILMEA.


With more than 3,500 members, we are one of the largest state music education associations in the country. ILMEA is, by far, the largest Fine Arts education organization in Illinois and among the largest in the nation.

ILMEA is a non-profit association, representing every level of music education, in every discipline, including yours! We are dedicated to the advancement of your profession and to you as an individual music educator.

There are many positive features to Membership with ILMEA, all offering a special benefit for your growth and professionalism.  Click on "Membership" to the left to learn the benefits of joining the only professional association in Illinois dedicated to the support of a comprehensive, standards based and assessed program of music education.

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Board of Directors

The ILMEA Board of Directors is made up of music educators representing eight performing and professional divisions of music education and each of the nine geographic districts in Illinois.

Board members serve a three-year term for a maximum of two terms in that position. 

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Financials

Click Here for the ILMEA IRS Form 990, the annual information return that organizations claiming federal tax-exempt status must file yearly.

ILMEA Current Income (Chart)

ILMEA Current Expenses (Chart)

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Policies

Click links below to view ILMEA documents:

Constitution of the Illinois Music Education Association (7-1-2021)

ILMEA Operational Policy Manual (April 2026)
Please note that any policies in this document that are struck through have been replaced in the index below. Any policy that is posted below supersedes policy found in this linked document.

ILMEA Policy Change Procedure

ILMEA Board Governance Policy Manual

The ILMEA Board of Directors is in the process of re-formatting information found in the Operational Policy Manual. They are carefully reviewing each policy as it is re-formatted to ensure that policy and practice are in alignment. As these policies are updated, they will be struck through in the ILMEA Operational Policy Manual linked above and then will be posted in the index below. Any policy that is posted below supersedes policy found in the document linked above.

Donna Zawatski, former ILMEA board member receiving a Distinguished Service Award from then Past-President Deb Shofner and President Mark Corey

ILMEA Awards

The Illinois Music Education Association offers six different awards to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of music education in this state. 

  • "Mary Hoffman" Award of Excellence

  • Distinguished Service Award

  • Outstanding Administrator Award

  • Honorary Life Membership Award

  • 25 Year Recognition Awards

  • Collegiate Chapter Recognition Award

Click below for more information on each award and to nominate deserving individuals.

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ILMEA History

Read about the history of ILMEA, its leadership and work in Illinois music education.