Several faculty and students from Missouri State University’s Department of Music attended the Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA) conference Jan. 27-31 at the Tan-Tar-A Conference Center in Osage Beach, Missouri.

Dr. Paula Patterson, music department head, described the event as “a great success.” Among the highlights, Dr. Daniel Hellman, professor of music education, was inducted into the MMEA Hall of Fame. In addition, seven music students performed with MMEA’s All-Collegiate Orchestra.

Hellman inducted into Hall of Fame

According to the organization’s website, MMEA’s Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have “made a lasting or enduring impact on the stature and condition of music education in the state of Missouri.” This year, the organization selected Missouri State’s Dr. Daniel Hellman for that distinction.

Hellman said he felt “deeply honored and genuinely humbled” to receive the award. He was nominated for his long-term efforts to support music educators and students through teacher preparation, service, research and advocacy.

“Being recognized in a room filled with dedicated Missouri music educators was especially meaningful,” he noted. “I have an immense amount of respect for my colleagues around the state.”

Teaching is a “privilege”

Being a professor at Missouri State is both a privilege and a responsibility, Hellman said.

“My work involves helping future teachers in our undergraduate programs and current teachers in our graduate program turn their musicianship, their understanding of teaching, learning and research-informed ideas, into the daily decisions that they make with students.”

The rewards are clear, he added, because he sees the impact Missouri State’s music graduates have on students every single day. [Read more…] about Department of Music shines at MMEA 2026