I trust this email will find you well.

My name is Joel Copeland and it is with great pleasure and honour that I have taken on the role of KMEIA National President.

I am currently employed as the Head of Co-curricular Music and Instrumental Studies at Radford College in Canberra.  I teach classroom music to students in Years 3-12 and I have been an exponent of the Kodaly philosophy throughout my teaching career.  As an educator I am committed to outstanding educational achievement and the transformation of the whole person.  I have recently spent 18 months abroad taking up the post of Assistant Director of Music at Kent College Canterbury.  As President of the ACT Music Educators Network, KMEIA ACT and now KMEIA National, I have a strong passion for the advocacy of music education.

I feel privileged to have been mentored, taught and inspired by some incredible people throughout my short but enriching career.  As a musician and music educator I value continued learning and my involvement in KMEIA has strengthened my knowledge and enhanced my enthusiasm to inspire the children in my care.

I would like to thank Tess Laird for the inspirational leadership that she has provided to the Council over the past three years as National President.  Tess is a wonderful example of what KMEIA is all about.  Her willingness to give her time to help build this network of music educators who are committed to assisting students achieve wonderful things   through music is truly admirable.  Thank you Tess!

2014 is shaping up as an exciting year for KMEIA and in particular the NSW branch as they host our National Conference, “Bridging the Gap” from 29 September to 2 October.  This conference will be a wonderful opportunity to engage in a range of challenging and meaningful workshops and I would  encourage members to take advantage of the Super Early Bird registrations.

I look forward to meeting many of you at the wide range of workshops and courses run by the KMEIA branches throughout the year.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me at info@kodaly.org.au  should you have any comments, questions or ideas.

On behalf of the National Council of KMEIA, I wish you all a very happy and successful 2014.