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Making Music Accessible

Making Music Accessible

WCU grad aims to increase equity and access in arts education

by Chaz Lilly

Cecil Adderley ’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.

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

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

“If you’re 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,” he said. “People are looking at not just contributing to the PK12 experience, but looking at the community regardless of where they are. You don’t need to be in a big city. Rural, urban or suburban, they should all be regarded as equal.”

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.

“As 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,” he said. “My 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.”

Before his long career in the arts, Adderley earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from WCU, starting his path toward a master’s and doctoral degree in the same field.

“All of us in the Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts at WCU are proud of Cecil Adderley’s appointment,” said George H. Brown, dean of the college. “This 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 WCU’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering professional success in the arts.”

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

“Western helped me a lot,” he said. “It 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’s real.”

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

“If there was a problem or question that I couldn’t 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, WCU was the perfect place for me.”

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