NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In
Thank you to the 94 NAMM member and industry partner delegates who participated in the 2025 NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In!
jenna day
owner, day violins and NAMM BOARD MEMBER
“We are here not because it is easy work, but because it is important work. We are not just fighting for funding or for policy—we are fighting for access, for equity, and for the chance for every child to know what it feels like to create beauty in a noisy world. Because talent is universal, but opportunity is not. That’s why we’re here. That’s why we keep coming back.”
NAMM Members Advocate for Music Education on Capitol Hill
On May 7, 2025, NAMM member delegates gathered at the U.S. Capitol to serve as powerful advocates for music education. This exclusive, high-impact experience offered delegates the chance to meet directly with members of Congress and share firsthand why continued federal funding for music education is essential.
Equipped with personal stories and professional insight, 94 delegates received intensive advocacy training and the full support of NAMM staff and seasoned lobbyists. Together, members engaged in meaningful conversations about national education policy.
Join the delegate interest list for the 2026 NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In— and help champion the future of music education.
Illuminating Careers in the Music Industry for High School Students
The NAMM Advocacy Fly-In always begins with a Day of Service put on by The NAMM Foundation, providing members an opportunity to give back to students at a local school. This year, The NAMM Foundation hosted Network With the Pros at Eastern Senior High School, where members answered student questions about job opportunities in the music industry. Engaging with students and highlighting diverse career paths in music supported the broader mission of delegates urging Congress to fund music education.
Did You Know?
2018
NAMM honored Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici for her staunch support for music and arts education.
2019
2019
was our biggest year with over 100 delegates.
2020
2020
we held a virtual advocacy summit due to the pandemic.
2023
2023
had 85 delegates representing 41 states and had the highest number of first-time delegates in 15 years!
2024
was an election year and so we focused on our policy priorities and planned for an epic 2025 Fly-In!
2025
The 19th NAMM D.C. Fly-In resulted in 200 meetings with members of Congress and/or their staff!
Highlights from the 2025 D.C. Fly-In
In 2025, 94 delegates representing all 50 states met with 200 Members of Congress and/or their staff to ask for Title I, Title II, and Title IV, Part A funding for music education. The Fly-In included a small trade delegation of guitar manufacturers who met with key members of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means committees to share the economic impact of potential trade restrictions on imported wood used to make guitars and other stringed instruments.
NAMM D.C. Fly-In Delegates Advocate for Music Education on Capitol Hill
A coalition of more than 90 NAMM members and partners representing all 50 U.S. states, congregated in our nation’s capital as part of NAMM’s 19th Advocacy D.C. Fly-In. Their goal was to meet face-to-face with their members of Congress and/or their staff and make the request to support federal funding for music education..
From the Capitol to the Stage: Music, Advocacy and Connection
There’s something magical about arriving in Washington, D.C., when the Capitol dome comes into view. It’s one of those moments that takes your breath away. On May 4, we drove to D.C. from Ossining, N.Y., where Mike Risko Music, our music school and retail store of 30 years, is located. We were proud to return to D.C. for our second NAMM Fly-In.
The D.C. Advocacy Experience in Photos
The D.C. Fly-In invites NAMM members to advocate for federal funding for music education. This signature NAMM event kicks off with a Day of Service and training and cultivates a real sense of community among attendees!
Fly-In FAQs
- How do I register for the Fly-In?
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Details for the 2026 Fly-In will be available at The 2026 NAMM Show.
- Can I attend if I am not a NAMM member?
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Representatives from NAMM partner organizations may register to attend the Fly-In by invitation. We do request those eligible for membership join NAMM before registering for the Fly-In. Learn more about the benefits of NAMM membership.
- Can I bring a guest or spouse?
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Please note that the Fly-In is a music industry business event. However, guests may attend select meals and special events with a guest registration fee.
Participation in briefing day on and Congressional visits are limited to delegates.
- Does NAMM cover travel?
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Fly-In participants are responsible for their own round-trip travel to and from Washington, D.C., as well as ground transportation and hotel costs. Meals are provided. All NAMM events are included in the registration fee.
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When posting about the Fly-In, please use the hashtag #NAMMFlyIn.