Three California State University, Northridge students have received recognition for their professional achievements from the National Association for Music Education.

Three California State University, Northridge students have received recognition for their professional achievements from the National Association for Music Education.

Recent music education graduates Kelvin Flores and Kelly Brooks and graduate student Kelly McCarley, now a student in CSUN’s credential program, are all recipients of the association’s 2015 Professional Achievement Recognition, which honors individual collegiate members of the association for their commitment to education.

Music professor Mary Schliff, coordinator of CSUN’s music education program, said the honor recognizes the students’ passion about becoming music teachers and leaders in their fields.

“They are dedicated and committed to music education,” Schliff said. “Our music program thrives because of this same passion, dedication and commitment from our faculty.”

The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is among the world’s largest arts education organizations. It is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state and national level; provides resources for teachers, parents and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers.

Since 1907, the association has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. NAfME’s activities and resources have contributed to the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and the development of the National Standards for Arts Education.

CSUN’s Department of Music, housed in the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication, has been hailed by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the top music schools in the world. Few institutions can boast such highly recognized music industry, music therapy, music education, media/film composition, jazz, and vocal and instrumental performance programs. Graduates of the program quickly find opportunities in Los Angeles’ bustling music industry and film business. Performance majors go on to perform with major orchestras and opera companies, while music education graduates hold key positions in arts programs across the state.