We are excited to celebrate two Georgia State University faculty members who have been recognized as candidates for national leadership within the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).
Dr. Patrick Freer: Candidate for NAfME National President-Elect
Dr. Patrick Freer, Professor of Music and Coordinator of Music Education at Georgia State, has been named a candidate for NAfME National President-Elect (2026–2028). He will stand alongside Judy Frohlich Bush for this esteemed role.
At GSU, Dr. Freer leads the choral music education area, guiding undergraduate and graduate students preparing to become the next generation of teachers, conductors and leaders in the profession. His platform emphasizes responsive leadership, equity and community among music educators, with a focus on addressing teacher attrition, fostering stronger connections between local and national organizations and uplifting the voices of underrepresented educators and students.
Read Dr. Freer’s full biography, remarks and platform here.
Matt Koperniak: Candidate for NAfME Southern Division President-Elect
Dr. Matthew Koperniak, part-time instructor of music education at Georgia State since 2021, has been nominated as a candidate for NAfME Southern Division President-Elect. At GSU, he teaches a seminar class in music education, bringing his extensive leadership and classroom experience to our students.
In addition to his role at GSU, Dr. Koperniak serves as the Coordinator of Performing Arts for Fulton County Schools, supporting music and music therapy programs for more than 92,000 students in Metro Atlanta. He is also the current President of the Georgia Music Educators Association and is recognized nationally for his work as a conductor, adjudicator and clinician.
Learn more about Dr. Koperniak’s background and vision here.
“These nominations are a tremendous point of pride for the School of Music,” said Dr. Julia Bullard, Director of the School of Music. “We are so proud that two of our outstanding faculty are making such an impact in the field of music education, both at the national level and in their classrooms teaching our future music educators every day.”
The candidates for both national and divisional leadership were announced during the 2025 NAfME National Leadership Assembly in Reston, Virginia. Online elections will open to eligible NAfME members in January 2026.
These nominations represent yet another milestone in the legacy of leadership and excellence fostered within Georgia State University’s School of Music. We are proud to see our faculty shaping the future of music education at the highest levels.