Clinician Detail

Tell the Story: Practical Advocacy for Music Education

Clinic Synopsis:

Music educators are powerful advocates when they clearly communicate the value of music learning. In this session, participants will develop a concise advocacy message connecting student musical growth to real-world employability skills such as creativity, collaboration, and problem solving while exploring practical ways to engage communities, industry partners, and local leaders in supporting strong music programs.

Mary Luehrsen - Biographical Information

Mary Luehrsen serves as Professor of Practice in the School of Music at the University of South Carolina, and supports music majors as they develop as musical and artistic leaders in communities and organizations. Mary was the director of public affairs and government relations for NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants, for 23 years and was the founding executive director of the NAMM Foundation (2006). As a leader in policy and advocacy efforts, Mary developed NAMM’s Washington DC Advocacy Fly-in that trains NAMM business leaders as music education advocates working on federal, state, and local levels. She also created NAMM’s GenNext and Music Education Days programs, which host thousands of university music faculty, students, and music educators at the annual NAMM Show to inspire career options in music, connections with the music industry, and advance opportunities for music learning. Luehrsen also created the NAMM Foundation’s Nonprofit Management Institute, held at the NAMM Show, that supports and trains leaders and staff of over 300 music service organizations with goals of strengthening their effectiveness.  Luehrsen focuses on rallying talents and energies of people and organizations to advance opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to know the joys and benefits of making and learning music.

Kimberly Deverell - Biographical Information

Kimberly Deverell, a distinguished graduate of San Diego State University with Magna Cum Laude honors in Music Education, comes from an extensive background in music retail spanning 26 years. Her journey in the industry has seen her rise from an instructor to management roles, culminating in her current position as the West Coast Regional Sales Manager at Eastman Music Company. With a steadfast commitment to the music industry, Kimberly actively advocates for music education. Her contributions extend to promoting music and arts in schools at local, state, and federal levels. She was a participant in the inaugural Women of NAMM (WON) Leadership Summit and dedicated four years to serving on the NAMM Board of Directors. Kimberly's passion for music and its transformative power to change lives drives her continuous efforts to make a positive impact.

James Weaver - Biographical Information

Dr. James Weaver is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Music for All, where he leads the organization’s work to create positively life-changing experiences for students, educators, and communities through music. Appointed in August 2025 as Music for All marked its 50th anniversary, Weaver brings a national perspective on music education, advocacy, student opportunity, and organizational innovation. Before joining Music for All, Weaver served nearly a decade as Director of Performing Arts and Sports for the National Federation of State High School Associations, where he guided national policy, professional learning, copyright education, and health-and-safety initiatives impacting millions of students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he co-chaired the International Performing Arts Aerosol Study, helping coordinate more than 125 organizations worldwide to support the safe return of music and performing arts education. Weaver began his career as an orchestra director and later served as a district fine arts administrator and state activities association leader. He is President of the National Music Council, serves on the boards of United Sound, co-chairs the TeachMusic! Coalition, and is a recognized national voice in arts education, intellectual property, and student-centered performing arts policy.Throughout his career, Weaver has remained committed to a simple but powerful belief: access to high-quality music education changes lives and strengthens communities.