American Choral Directors Association

The mission of ACDA is to inspire excellence and nurture lifelong involvement in choral music for everyone through education, performance, composition and advocacy.

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Talking Points to Use with Students

Student Talking Points Student members represent the future of our association. Because of that, we invest in keeping dues low, supporting student chapters, and mentoring them as they transition from their studies to the workplace. We know what students do for ACDA, but why should students join ACDA?

  1. A part of a student’s education is to learn about professional citizenship and where to find their peer network after college.
  2. ACDA student chapters are an excellent forum for leadership development. With existing chapters, students learn to lead professional activities with their peers. When no chapter exists, one can be created by a motivated student.
  3. Publishing opportunities for students are available in a regular section of Choral Journal entitled “Student Times,” as well as with state publications.
  4. ACDA recognizes student achievement with awards in composition and conducting.
  5. Graduate credit is available for select activities at ACDA national and regional conferences, as well as some state conferences.
  6. The ACDA Career Center is the perfect resource for students who are graduating and searching for a position in the choral conducting field.
  7. ACDA Mentoring offers students support and concrete advice from mentors who can advise them on any range of topics, from thinking about graduate school to a strategic job search.
  8. A student needs to know that there is a community available to them after graduation for support and assistance with tasks like selecting repertoire suitable to their new position. ACDA membership can provide that.
  9. Students often turn to music they performed in college choir when they take their vocational positions. That literature will run out quickly, and sometimes is not practical for their first positions. ACDA offers resources for repertoire that are needed in the early years of the profession.

Tip – This year (Jul. 1, 2020 – Jun. 30, 2021), all students – renewing and new members from any state – will pay just $5 for their student dues.

Tip – ACDA allows Student members who have graduated but not yet found a paid conducting position the opportunity to renew as a student member for up to two years.